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A method of repurposing coins includes the acts of discharging processed
mixed coins into a coin bin, receiving a first request for a number of or
value of coins of a first denomination from an authorized person,
outputting the mixed coins from the coin bin onto a coin conveyor
responsive to the received first request, conveying the mixed coins
output from the coin bin, using the coin conveyor, to the coin processing
machine for repurposing, and discharging the coins of the first
denomination from the coin processing machine to a secure coin cassette
and discharging coins of a denomination other than the first denomination
back to the coin bin. These acts of outputting, conveying and discharging
are continued until the number of or value of coins of the first
denomination have been discharged to the secure coin cassette.

1. A method of recycling coins comprising: processing mixed coins
received at a first business using a coin processing machine; discharging
the mixed coins into a coin bin; receiving, in the coin processing
machine, a first request for a number of or value of coins of a first
denomination from an authorized person; outputting the mixed coins from
the coin bin onto a coin conveyor responsive to the received first
request; conveying the mixed coins output from the coin bin, using the
coin conveyor, to the coin processing machine for recycling; discharging
the coins of the first denomination from the coin processing machine to a
secure coin cassette and discharging coins of a denomination other than
the first denomination back to the coin bin; and continuing the acts of
outputting, conveying and discharging until the number of or value of
coins of the first denomination have been discharged to the secure coin
cassette.

2. The method of recycling coins according to claim 1, wherein the
authorized person is a supervisor in the first business.

3. The method of recycling coins according to claim 2, wherein the first
business comprises a grocery store, a retail store, a discount store, or
a membership-based store.

4. The method of recycling coins according to claim 1, wherein the coin
processing machine, upon receipt of the first request, compares the
requested number of or value of coins of the first denomination to an
actual number of or value of coins of the first denomination in the coin
bin, such actual number of or value of coins of the first denomination in
the coin bin being maintained on a memory machine associated with the
coin processing machine, and outputs a message to the authorized person
that the first request cannot be filled.

5. The method of recycling coins according to claim 2, wherein the first
request is received only via an input machine of the coin processing
machine.

6. The method of recycling coins according to claim 2, wherein the first
request is received via a coin processing machine communication device
configured to communicatively couple the coin processing machine to an
external device.

7. The method of recycling coins according to claim 2, wherein the secure
coin cassette is maintained locked in an interior of the coin processing
machine until it is retrieved by the supervisor.

8. The method of recycling coins according to claim 2, further comprising
the acts of: receiving, in the coin processing machine, a second request
for a number of or value of coins of a second denomination from the
authorized person, the second request being received contemporaneously
with the first request; discharging the coins of both the first
denomination and the second denomination from the coin processing machine
to respective secure coin cassettes and discharging coins of
denominations other than the first denomination and the second
denomination back to the coin bin; and continuing the acts of outputting,
conveying and discharging until the number of or value of coins of the
first denomination and the second denomination have been discharged to
the respective secure coin cassettes.

9-24. (canceled)

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/752,474, filed on Jun. 26, 2015, now allowed, which is a
continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/836,117, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, entitled "System, Method And
Apparatus For Automatically Filling A Coin Cassette," which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/227,861,
filed on Sep. 15, 2005, and entitled "System, Method And Apparatus For
Automatically Filling A Coin Cassette," now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
8,523,641, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional
Application 60/610,050 filed on Sep. 15, 2004, entitled "System, Method
And Apparatus For Automatically Filling A Coin Cassette", now expired,
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/752,474 is also a
continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/726,828, filed on Mar. 23, 2007, entitled "Systems,
apparatus, and methods for currency processing control and redemption,"
abandoned, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/793,573, filed Apr. 20, 2006, now expired, and further claims priority
to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/785,251, filed Mar. 23, 2006,
now expired, each of the aforementioned applications being hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of bulk coin
handling systems and, more particularly, to exemplary self-service
systems and methods for bulk coin repurposing or bulk coin exchange and
repurposing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Coin dispenser trays are widely used as cashier/check out areas and
in the self-service check out equipment typically found in places like
supermarkets (e.g., Jewel/Osco) and Home Depot. A variety of coin
dispensing trays or coin cassettes are provided by a number of
manufacturers, each manufacturer possibly offering several tray models
having different sizes, arrangements, volumes, denominations, and
combinations of coin receptacles for receiving coins in various coin
positions.

[0004] One common coin dispenser is the Asahi Seiko USA, Inc.
(www.asusainc.com) HM-4 coin hopper, in which a plurality of hoppers
(i.e., 1 , 5 , 25 , $1.00) drop the coins into a single exit chute for
delivery to a common coin cup. The HM-4 accepts an AMP drawer plug
connection to simplify wiring and the hoppers each slide off of the main
base plate to permit servicing of coin jams. As the hoppers are depleted,
the cashiers or other designated personnel, fill the individual hoppers
with coins.

[0005] Another popular conventional coin dispenser is the Telequip
Transact 2+, which employs removable coin canister or cassette. The
program software tracks the change being issued and optimizes the use of
the coin supply by attempting to even out the distribution of the coins
to enable a longer period of time between refills. The Transact 2+
provides a plug and play pre-wire installation with standard RS232 serial
port and other register interfaces. Telequip advertises that the Transact
2+ enables vendors to save from 5 to 7 seconds on every transaction.
However, despite these benefits, the refill operation of the Telequip
TransactcLs must be done manually. To facilitate loading of the Transact
2+ coin canister, Telequip provides the Transact.sub.CLS (Canister
Loading Solution), shown in FIG. 1. To use this manual device, one must
first remove the clear plastic canister cover by depressing two tabs 70
at the bottom and sliding up until the canister handle hangs toward the
back of the canister. Then, the canister stand 10 is placed on a flat
surface and the canister 20 assembled to the stand by sliding it down
onto two rails 60. The canister loading device 30 is then attached to the
canister by lowering the device onto the canister, engaging the top rear
of the canister, then pivoting the bottom of the loading device inwardly
to engage the front of the canister. The canister loading device 30 is
then slid down until it engages the taps at the base of the canister
stand.

[0006] If the funnel retainer 40 is not already assembled onto the loading
device, it is slid onto the two rails at the top of the loading device.
The funnel 50 is then attached to the funnel retainer 40 by dropping the
funnel onto the retainer with the slots aligned. The funnel 50 is then
rotated 1/4 turn clockwise, positioned with the opening 52 in the front
and the "nose" 54 in the back. To manually position the funnel over the
appropriate denomination, the funnel must be lifted slightly and slid
until positioned over the appropriate column at which time the funnel is
dropped in place so that the shoulder 56 of the funnel is flush with the
retainer 40. At this point, the person performing the filling operation
must begin loading coins for that denomination by slowly pouring coins
into the funnel either by hand, cup, or directly from the coin bag. They
must continue filling until that column is filled to the desired height
indicated by the calibration strips on the canister. This work is
tedious, time consuming, and must be repeated for each denomination.

[0007] Despite the advances realized by the aforementioned technology,
there remains room for additional improvements to the technology to
improve the speed with which coin hoppers and coin canisters may be
refilled and returned to service.

[0008] Currency processing machines generally have the ability to receive
bulk currency (e.g., currency bills and/or coins) from a user of the
machine. Coin processing modules, for example, are commonly used as coin
redemption machines wherein, after the deposited coins are counted and
totaled, a receipt is issued indicating the value of the deposited coins.
The user may exchange this receipt for the amount of deposited coins in
the form of currency bills or, optionally, for an amount of the deposited
coins less a commission charged for use of the coin redemption machine.

[0009] Coin redemption machines are used in banking environments (in
patron accessible areas and in employee-only areas), business
environments (e.g., armored transport services, telephone companies,
etc.) and retail environments, such as grocery stores. In operation, a
user inputs a batch of coins of mixed denominations into a hopper of the
coin redemption machine. The machine discriminates items that are not
valid coins, determines the value of the valid deposited coins and
outputs a receipt indicative of the determined amount. In some
embodiments, the receipt also indicates a second, lesser amount, which
reflects a commission charged for use of the machine. The user exchanges
the receipt for paper currency for the value of the deposited coins less
the commission. In a banking environment, a user may exchange the receipt
at a teller's window, whereas, in a retail environment, the user can
exchange the receipt at a cashier's station or a patron-service station.
In one example, the coin redemption machine disclosed by Molbak in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,976,570, receives a number of unsorted coins, counts the total
value of the valid coins, and outputs a voucher related to the total
amount (i.e., less a commission charge for the use of the machine). The
user then takes this voucher to a cashier or clerk for redemption,
following the verification of the authenticity of the voucher by the
cashier or clerk.

[0010] Coin repurposing is typically performed by armored car services
("armored carriers" or "cash in transit") and, accordingly, there are
costs associated with managing retail cash drawers and deposits. FIG. 4
depicts a highly simplified illustration of conventional coin repurposing
wherein an armored car carrier 402 sends out an armored vehicle 403 on a
route 404 consisting of a plurality of different businesses #1-n (where n
represents any number), some of which have disposed therein one or more
self-service machines SSM #1-#m (where n represents any number) having
coin receptacles requiring pickup. As shown, reference numeral 406a
denotes an area where businesses #1-#4 are in the proximity of one
another and reference numeral 406b denotes an area where businesses #5-#8
are in the proximity of one another. Once the armored car has picked up
all of the coins from the self-service machines SSM and stores on the
route 404, and dropped off wrapped or packaged coins according to the
requirements of the businesses #1-#n, the armored car returns to the
armored car carrier 402 and the coins transported back to the armored car
carrier 402 are processed and repackaged for delivery on subsequent
routes.

[0011] The armored carrier charges a "Deposit Pick Up Charge" for picking
up the store's deposit each day (e.g., $25), including excess notes, coin
and checks and a "Change Order Delivery Charge" for dropping off the cash
(coin/notes) needed by store to fund the day (e.g., $25 per delivery).
There are further fees for the "Currency Furnished" (e.g., $1.25 per
$1000), "Rolled Coin Provided (per roll)" (e.g., $0.10 per roll) and a
"Deposit Processing Charge" charged by the deposit processor (armored
carrier or bank) to count and verify the deposit. A separate fee is
usually imposed for each media type such as notes, coin and checks. Still
further there can be "Per Deposit" fees (e.g., $1.50 for the deposit) and
"Cash Processing" fees (e.g., per $1000)(e.g., $1.25). Yet further, on
top of these fees, there is an In-Store-Labor to Manage Coin (preparing
starting funds, replenishing, counting end of day) which are
approximately $37.50/day (e.g., average 1.5 hours per day at $25.00/hr).

[0012] Yet further, the armored service that comes to pick up coins from a
self-service machine might not even be the same armored service or driver
that is picking up the store's deposit for the day. They could be right
behind each other in different trucks, further increasing the total coin
pick-up charge, processing charges, and coin delivery charge.

[0013] Likewise, costs associated with managing retail self-service
machines of the types noted above can include armored carrier fees for
"Bin Pick Up" (if using a bin machine) for picking up the store's coin
bins (e.g., $40.00 for one pickup per week), a "Bin Processing Charge"
charged by the deposit processor (armored carrier or bank) to count and
verify the coin bin (e.g., $35.00 per bin), a "Bag Pick Up Charge" (if
using a bag machine) charged by the armored carrier for picking up the
store's coin bags (e.g., $40.00 for one pickup per week), and a "Bag
Processing Charge" charged by the deposit processor (armored carrier or
bank) to count and verify the coin bags (e.g., $1.00-4.00 per bag).

[0014] This longstanding manner of coin repurposing has proven to be
reliable.

[0016] The average cost per year for an average grocery store to manage
coin used in sales transactions is over about $14,000. It is estimated
that the systems and methods disclosed herein will produce an estimated
annual savings of about $5,800, cumulatively, in rolled coin charges,
labor savings and less frequent bin/bag pickups and charges. Yet further,
the present concepts also may permit such stores to utilize the systems
and methods disclosed herein to realize a profit from servicing other
local businesses with specialized coin repurposing services.

[0017] In one aspect, a method of repurposing coins includes the acts of
discharging processed mixed coins into a coin bin, receiving a first
request for a number of or value of coins of a first denomination from an
authorized person, outputting the mixed coins from the coin bin onto a
coin conveyor responsive to the received first request, conveying the
mixed coins output from the coin bin, using the coin conveyor, to the
self-service machine for repurposing, and discharging the coins of the
first denomination from the self-service machine to a secure coin
cassette and discharging coins of a denomination other than the first
denomination back to the coin bin. These acts of outputting, conveying
and discharging are continued until the number of or value of coins of
the first denomination have been discharged to the secure coin cassette.

[0018] In one aspect, a self-service machine includes a controller, one or
more user-interfaces, a coin processing module configured to sort coins
and to discharge the sorted coins to a selected output destination, and a
mixed coin bin configured to receive and hold mixed coins received from
the coin processing module and to selectively discharge mixed coins held
thereby, the coin bin comprising a discharge actuator, controlled by the
controller, configured to selectively discharge mixed coins from the coin
bin. The self-service machine also includes at least one secure
repurposed currency retrieval area, a coin repurposing module configured
to package coins received from the coin processing module into a
deliverable coin package and to output the deliverable coin package to a
designated one of the at least one secure repurposed coin retrieval area
and a conveyor system configured to receive mixed coins discharged from
the mixed coin bin and securely convey the mixed coins to the coin
processing module for reprocessing. The controller, responsive to an
order for a deliverable coin package received through the one or more
user-interfaces, causes the mixed coin bin discharge actuator to
selectively discharge mixed coins from the coin bin to the conveyor
system, causes the conveyor system to securely convey the mixed coins
received from the mixed coin bin to the coin processing module, causes
the coin processing module to sort the mixed coins, outputting coins
corresponding to the order for a deliverable coin package to the coin
repurposing module and outputting coins not corresponding to the order
for the deliverable coin package back to the mixed coin bin, and
continuing these acts until the coin processing module outputs to the
coin repurposing module coins corresponding to the order for a
deliverable coin package, at which point any remaining coins conveyed by
the conveyor system and processed by the coin processing module are
directed to be output to the mixed coin bin and the coin repurposing
module is caused to prepare the at least one deliverable coin package and
to output the at least deliverable coin package to the designated one of
the at least one secure repurposed coin retrieval area.

[0019] In yet another aspect, a self-service machine includes a
controller, one or more user-interfaces, a coin processing module
configured to sort coins and to discharge the sorted coins to a selected
output destination, and a mixed coin bin configured to receive and hold
mixed coins received from the coin processing module and to selectively
discharge mixed coins held thereby, the coin bin comprising a discharge
actuator, controlled by the controller, configured to selectively
discharge mixed coins from the coin bin. The self-service machine also
includes a plurality of removable secure coin cassettes and a conveyor
system configured to receive mixed coins discharged from the mixed coin
bin and securely convey the mixed coins to the coin processing module for
reprocessing. The controller, responsive to an order for a deliverable
coin package received through the one or more user-interfaces, causes the
mixed coin bin discharge actuator to selectively discharge mixed coins
from the coin bin to the conveyor system, causes the conveyor system to
securely convey the mixed coins received from the mixed coin bin to the
coin processing module, causes the coin processing module to sort the
mixed coins, outputting coins corresponding to the order for a
deliverable coin package to a selected one of the plurality of removable
secure coin cassettes and outputting coins not corresponding to the order
for the deliverable coin package back to the mixed coin bin, and
continuing these acts until the coin processing module outputs to the
selected one of the plurality of removable secure coin cassettes coins
corresponding to the order for a deliverable coin package, at which point
any remaining coins conveyed by the conveyor system and processed by the
coin processing module are directed to be output to the mixed coin bin.

[0020] The above summary of the present invention is not intended to
represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present invention.
Additional features and benefits of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description, figures, and claims set forth
below.

[0021] Additional advantages of the present concepts will become readily
apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed
description, wherein only preferred aspects of the present concepts are
shown and described, simply by way of illustration. As will be realized,
the present invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and
its details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all
without departing from the disclosed concepts. Accordingly, the drawings
and description are to be regarded as merely illustrative in nature, and
are not to be regarded as limiting or restrictive on the broad aspects of
the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will be described in conjunction with the following
drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and
wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a Telequip Transact.sub.CLS.

[0024] FIGS. 2(a)-(d) show front, top, cross-sectional, and side views,
respectively, of one system for automated refill of a coin tray in accord
with the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram illustrates one aspect of a system for
automated refill of a coin tray in accord with the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a representation of a prior art system for repurposing of
coins from self-service machines.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a self-service machine comprising a
coin repurposer in accord with at least some aspects of the present
concepts.

[0028] FIG. 6 shows an example of a coin processing device utilizable in
accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts.

[0029] FIG. 7 shows an example of a coin processing device stationary
sorting head utilizable in accord with at least some aspects of the
present concepts.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a self-service machine comprising a coin
repurposer communicatively coupled to a plurality of remote devices or
nodes in accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a representation of a system for repurposing of coins
from self-service machines in accord with at least some aspects of the
present concepts.

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates another self-service machine in accord with at
least some aspects of the present concepts.

[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates yet another self-service machine embodiment in
accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts.

[0034] FIG. 12 illustrates yet another self-service machine embodiment in
accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts.

[0035] FIG. 13 illustrates yet another self-service machine embodiment in
accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts wherein a
secure coin cassette is removed from the self-service machine.

[0036] FIG. 14 illustrates movement of a secure coin cassette from a
self-service machine and to other machines in accord with at least some
aspects of the present concepts.

[0037] FIG. 15 illustrates yet another self-service machine embodiment in
accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts.

[0038] FIG. 16 illustrates another example of movement of a secure coin
cassette from a self-service machine to another machine in accord with at
least some aspects of the present concepts.

[0039] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a coin repurposing machine
utilizing secure coin cassettes in accord with at least some aspects of
the present concepts.

[0040] FIG. 18 illustrates another example of a coin repurposing machine
utilizing secure coin cassettes in accord with at least some aspects of
the present concepts.

[0041] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a cash till machine utilizing
secure coin cassettes in accord with at least some aspects of the present
concepts.

[0044] FIGS. 22A-22B illustrate an example of a self-service machine
comprising a cash till dispenser in accord with at least some aspects of
the present concepts.

[0045] FIG. 23A illustrates an example of a self-service machine utilizing
secure coin cassettes in accord with at least some aspects of the present
concepts and movement of the secure coin cassettes from the self-service
machine to another machine in accord with at least some aspects of the
present concepts.

[0046] FIG. 23B illustrates an example of a cash till machine filling
secure coin cassettes in accord with at least some aspects of the present
concepts.

[0047] FIG. 23C illustrates another example of a cash till machine filling
secure coin cassettes in accord with at least some aspects of the present
concepts.

[0048] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of a self-service machine utilizing
a coin repurposing machine in accord with at least some aspects of the
present concepts.

[0049] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a coin repurposing machine
comprising a coin processing device in accord with at least some aspects
of the present concepts.

[0050] FIGS. 26A-26B illustrate examples of a coin repurposing machine
utilizing secure coin cassettes in accord with at least some aspects of
the present concepts.

[0051] FIGS. 27A-27D further illustrate examples of coin repurposing
machines in accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts.

[0052] The appended drawings are not to scale are merely intended to
convey a general sense of interrelation between components and systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The systems and subsystems defined below explore one approach to
the development of an Automated Coin Tray Refill Device in accord with
the present concepts. They are not intended to define the variety of
possible solutions, but are merely exemplary of one preferred
implementation of the disclosed concepts. The systems presented herein
are intended to convey, to those skilled in the art, an appropriate level
of detail to illustrate some of the possible functions involved and how
they relate to the machine as a whole sufficient to enable them to make
and/or use the concepts disclosed herein without undue experimentation.

[0054] FIGS. 2(a)-2(d) shows an example of an automated coin tray refill
device or coin dispenser 100 in accord with the present concepts directed
to an automated method of filling coin trays, cassettes, hoppers, bags,
and canisters. Although the example of FIGS. 2(a)-2(d) depicts a coin
dispenser 100 configured for use with the Telequip 2+ coin tray, the
concepts herein are not limited to any one coin tray, cassette, canister,
or bag.

[0055] The coin dispenser 100 generally comprises supports for individual
coin dispensers 120a-120d and reservoirs 110a-110d and defines a housing
to enclose components such as a power supply 230 and computer or
processor 210. In one aspect, the power supply 230 and computer 210 could
be external to the coin dispenser 100 and could be connected thereto
using conventional electrical I/O connectors. A coin collector system is
fed by the coin dispensers 120a-120d and outputs the coins input therein
to a interface module 160 for output into a coin tray inserted into the
coin dispenser 100, whether directly or through a coin interface tray or
module 170. The interface module 160 and/or the coin interface tray 170
may be configured to translate, move, or rotate relative to one another
to facilitate interface therebetween.

[0056] Power supply 230 is configured to interface with an available AC
power supply and is configured to provide rated DC power to system
components which may include, but are not limited to, interface module
160 actuators, sensors or drive systems, coin tray 150 actuators, sensors
or drive systems, coin interface tray 170 actuators, sensors or drive
systems, coin reader 180 actuators, sensors or drive systems, coin
dispenser 120(a)-120(d) actuation devices or sensors, coin collector
point distribution system 130 actuators, sensors or drive systems,
display 190, computer or processor 210, and any attached memory devices
(e.g., solid state memory, disk drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD-Drive, etc.)
Computer 210 also includes a main memory, such as a random access memory
(RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus for storing
information and instructions to be executed by a processor. The main
memory also may be used for storing temporary variables or other
intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed
by the processor. Computer 210 further includes a read only memory (ROM)
or other static storage device coupled to the bus for storing static
information and instructions for the processor. A storage device, such as
a magnetic disk or optical disk, is preferably provided and coupled to
bus for storing information and instructions.

[0057] Execution of sequences of instructions contained in main memory
causes the processor or processors, if more than one is provided, to
perform the actions described herein. In alternative embodiments,
hard-wired circuitry or firmware may be used in place of or in
combination with software instructions and it is to be understood that no
specific combination of hardware circuitry, firmware, and software are
required. Instructions may be provided in any number of forms such as
source code, assembly code, object code, machine language, compressed or
encrypted versions of the foregoing, and any and all equivalents thereof.
"Computer-readable medium" refers to any medium that participates in
providing instructions to the processor for execution and the term
computer usable medium may be referred to as "bearing" the instructions,
which encompass all ways in which instructions are associated with a
computer usable medium. Computer-readable mediums include, but are not
limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.
Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks,.
Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory. Transmission
media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the
wires that comprise bus 102. Transmission media can also take the form of
acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency
(RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of
computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible
disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD,
any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical
medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM,
any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described
hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0058] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor
for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be borne on a
magnetic disk of a remote computer, which can transmit instructions to
computer 210 over a telephone line using a modem or through a cable line
or wireless signal. Computer 210 may also include a communication
interface coupled to the bus to provide a two-way data communication
coupling to a network link connected to a local network. For example, the
communication interface may be an integrated services digital network
(ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a
corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the
communication interface may be a local area network (LAN) connection to
provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless
links (e.g., RF or infrared) may also be implemented. In any such
implementation, communication interface sends and receives electrical,
electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams
representing various types of information.

[0059] The network link typically provides data communication through one
or more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link may
provide a connection through local network to a host computer or to data
equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP), which in turn
provides data communication services through the worldwide packet data
communication network, commonly referred to as the "Internet". The local
network and Internet both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical
signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various
networks and the signals on network link and through communication
interface, which carry the digital data to and from computer 210, are
exemplary forms of carrier waves transporting the information.

[0060] Reservoirs 110a-110d each provide storage for a particular coin
denomination and interior baffles may optionally be provided to reduce
the direct weight of coins on a dispenser by supporting a portion of the
load using angled plates. It is intended that the reservoirs 110a-110d
provide an unobstructed gravity feed to the dispenser (e.g., dispensers
120a-120d), although a mechanical or assisted feed may also be provided
in accord with the present concepts. Such mechanical or assisted feed may
include, for example, one or more transducers or vibrating members
configured to impart a vibration within the dispenser, or a movable
member. Dispensers 120a-120d are designed to dispense a specific coin
count (e.g., 72 coins) of a specific coin denomination (e.g., 1 , 5 , 10
, 25 ) for a specified currency (e.g., coins minted by the United States
Mint) upon receipt of an appropriate control signal from an associated
controller or logic board and power board interface. In one aspect, the
reservoirs are filled with a respective currency from an appropriate
source such as, but not limited to Full Federal Bags, Half-Full Federal
Bags, 19'' through 12'' coin bags, or coin sorter output bins. In an
optional configuration, the reservoirs 110a-110d (or additional or fewer
reservoirs, as needed) may be connected to an output of a conventional
currency processing machine such as, but not limited to, the JetSort.RTM.
manufactured by Cummins-Allison of Mt. Prospect, Ill., for direct deposit
of sorted mixed coins into an appropriate one of the reservoirs
110a-100d, or additional reservoirs as may be the case. It is to be
understood that the reservoirs 110a-110d, dispensers 120a-120d, collector
point distribution 130, interface module tray 140, and all other systems
and components herein described are applicable to all currencies and
denominations of the United States and of other nations, states,
republics and entities.

[0061] FIG. 2(d) shows a power supply 230 and conventional
computer/processor 210, which power and regulate or control,
respectively, the operation of dispensers 120a-120d. The dispensers
120a-120d are configured to dispense (e.g., sequentially), upon receipt
of a control signal from computer 210, a predetermined number of coins of
a respective denomination to a collection point distribution 130 by means
of a gravity and/or mechanical feed such as, but not limited to, a
computer controlled gate (not shown) or controlled feed mechanism. The
number of coins may, for example, correspond to a difference between a
measured stack height and a maximum stack height for a designated coin
tray, cassette, hopper, or canister, the maximum stack height being
stored in and retrieved from a conventional memory device.

[0062] In one aspect, a rotating disk could be disposed at a bottom of the
dispensers 120a-120d to singulate and move coins at the bottom of the
dispensers to a coin transport channel having one or more coin transport
belts, such as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,058,999 and 4,949,532, which
are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. In another
aspect, a device to output a predetermined number of coins of a
respective denomination to a collection point distribution 130 could
include, for example, a rotating drum having pockets for receiving
individual coins dispersed thereover in a helical pattern to permit
transport of a predetermined number of coins for a specified degree of
rotation. Still other coin moving devices could include, but are in no
means limited to, a worm gear disposed within a tube.

[0063] Although the reservoirs 110a-110d and dispensers 120a-120d are
shown in a quad or 2.times.2 arrangement, the reservoirs and dispensers
may also be arranged in any order and/or manner including, but not
limited to, sequentially, laterally or vertically, staggered, stepped or
in an arcuate path, in accord with the present concepts.

[0064] In one aspect, the dispensers 120a-120d may optionally be
configured to hold one or more boluses or predetermined numbers of coins
corresponding to a full complement of coins (or fraction thereof) for a
designated coin tray, cassette, hopper, bag, and canister. For example,
if a coin tray typically or exclusively used by an end-user holds a
maximum of 100 quarters, the dispenser (e.g., 120a) could comprise one or
more sections each adapted to hold 10, 20, 50, or 100 quarters in a
pre-measured bolus. When a new (i.e., empty) dispenser tray 150 is
inserted in-place adjacent the interface module, the dispenser could
output the bolus(es) to cause a sequential filling of the coin channel(s)
in the dispenser tray. The interface module 160 may optionally be
configured to accept and route a parallel rather than a serial output
from the dispensers 120a-d. In such aspect, a plurality of boluses of
measured numbers of coins could be simultaneously directed through an
interface module 160 have a plurality of coin paths or channels to a
corresponding plurality of coin channels in a dispenser tray 150. Such
pre-sorted during a system "down-time" permits faster filling. As to the
fractional filling aspect, noted above, the computer 210 regulating the
filling operation can, for example, instruct release of a predetermined
combination of boluses (e.g., 3.times.20 quarters or 1.times.10 quarters
and 1.times.50 quarters to get 60 quarters) once the requirements for a
particular denomination are known (e.g., 67 quarters) and then instruct
the appropriate dispenser (e.g., 120(d)) to output an additional small
number of coins (e.g., 7 quarters) to complete the requirements.

[0065] The collection point distribution 130 collects any of a variety of
coins from any of a series of coin dispensers (e.g., dispensers
120a-120d) and provides a point of distribution for filling a coin
channel or coin channels in a dispenser tray 150 through an associated
interface module 160. The collection point distribution 130, depicted as
a chute or ramp in the illustrated example, may comprise any other
conventional means of coin conveyance including, but not limited to
rails, conveyor belts, moving platforms, rotating screws, guides,
etcetera. The collection point distribution 130 may also be configured to
vibrate to facilitate movement of coins thereover or therethrough. The
interface module 160 may take any shape suitable to pass coins to a coin
channel in a dispenser tray 150. The exemplary interface module 160 shown
in FIGS. 2(a)-2(d) assumes a funnel-shape, but is not limited to such
shape or closed surfaces. As used herein, the term funnel may include any
body having one or more opposing, adjacent, and/or contiguous surfaces
that converge toward one another over at least a portion of a length
thereof so as to guide coins passing thereover to an opening common to
the surfaces. The bottom opening of the interface module 160 may be
circular, or may advantageously be oblong or flattened along one axis to
force coins to pass vertically or substantially vertically therethrough.

[0066] In at least some embodiments, the bottom opening of the interface
module 160 may comprise a vectored nozzle comprising opposing curved or
flat plate portions that may be tilted toward or away from each other to
regulate a distance between or may be pivoted substantially in unison to
impart a desired exit angle to a coin passed therethrough. The geometry
of the interface module 160 vectored nozzle is advantageously controlled
by the computer 210 to correspond to a selected coin tray, cassette,
hopper, bag, and canister, a desired throughput, a selected coin
denomination, and selected other control inputs (e.g., programmed
variations or limitations based on historical experience). The movement
of the vectored nozzle may be achieved by any conventional actuator,
solenoid, linear variable displacement transducer, or gear set,
preferably self-locking, having a minimal size and cost. Output torque
and speed are not significant factors, as the minimal amount of movement
required could be effected prior to release of coins to the interface
module 160.

[0067] The output of the interface module 160 may also be advantageously
configured to impart a spin in a preferred direction to the coins output
thereby, such as by passing the coin across an opening having one or more
rotating rollers biased into contact with the coin periphery. The spin
and increased angular momentum may help coins striking a stack edgewise
to deflect toward a more horizontal position. The spin may also be
achieved using a stationary member, which may be rigid, or may be
flexible, such as a brush or bristles, to impart a bias to a preferred
portion of a coin contacting such member. The stationary members could be
provided in the interface module 160 itself and/or in or on the collector
point distribution member.

[0068] In another aspect, a module cover (not shown) or adapter could be
attached or removably attached to the coin tray 150 (e.g., coin tray,
cassette, canister, tube, paper roll, etcetera) to facilitate placement
of coins into the coin tray. In one aspect thereof, the module cover
could cover the front of the coin tray and complete the cylinder geometry
of the coin tray, if necessary, to facilitate the coin filling operation.
The module cover could assume any configuration to guide coins from the
interface module 160 to the top part of the coin tray 150 and into the
individual denomination stacks. In another aspect, the module cover or
adapter could be attached or removably attached to the interface module
160 to facilitate placement of coins into the coin tray, such as by
extending the length and/or configuration of the funnel output. The
module cover interfaces with one or more particular design of coin trays
150 and serves to facilitate movement of the coins to a predetermined
location and/or serves to guide the coins in a manner which facilitates
output of the coins in a substantially predetermined orientation.

[0069] In one aspect thereof, the physical configuration or geometry of
the module cover could direct the coin to a specific orientation by
supporting the coin at particular point(s) to enable external forces
(resiliency of a resilient member, gravity, air pressure, friction,
rotational forces imparted by rollers, forces of external objects such as
brushes, etc.) to direct the coin into a particular orientation. This
could include, for example, ramps, rails or wireforms. The application of
external forces to achieve a desired orientation of coin may include, for
example, opposing brushes defining a gap therebetween through which coins
may pass. An additional brush could be provided along an axis
perpendicular to the opposing brushes so as to constrain a coin passing
therethrough to lay flat against a surface opposed to the additional
brush (e.g., a slide or ramp). Such brushes, although noted in regard to
the interface module 160 and the module cover (not shown), could be
provided at any point in the system (e.g., dispenser output, collection
point distribution 130, etc.) to control or influence the orientation of
the coins.

[0070] In still another aspect, at least one of the module cover (not
shown), coin tray or dispenser tray 150, and/or coin interface tray 170,
may comprise one or more transducers, actuators, piezoelectric elements,
or the like outputting an impulse and/or vibration so as to avoid
stacking of coins within the dispenser tray 150 and/or to dislodge coins
misaligned within the dispenser tray. Alternatively, one or more
transducers, actuators, piezoelectric elements, or the like outputting an
impulse and/or vibration may be provided adjacent the dispenser tray 150,
module cover, and/or coin interface tray 170 to the same end. In yet
another aspect, a pneumatic nozzle or pneumatic output device(s) may be
coupled to a pneumatic supply and positioned (e.g., statically or movable
along one or more axes) adjacent an opening or openings in the dispenser
tray to blow a stream or pulse of high pressure air to dislodge or
reorient misaligned coins.

[0071] In accord with the above, interface module 160 may be configured to
provide a specific orientation of a coin during the placement of coin in
the tray, cassette, hopper or canister.

[0072] In one aspect, the collection point distribution 130 is fixed and
the interface module 160 translates relative thereto to dispose the
output opening or spout of the interface module 160 in an appropriate
position and/or orientation to output the selected denomination of coin
into the proper dispenser tray 150 coin channel. This translation of the
interface module 160 may be accomplished using any conventional drive
mechanism including, but not limited to, a belt drive or a stepper motor.
In this configuration, such as shown in FIGS. 2(a)-2(d), the base or top
portion of the interface module 160 should be wide enough so that at
either lateral extreme (i.e., left or right limit) of the interface
module travel, the opening of the interface module is still positioned
beneath the output of the collection point distribution 130 to receive
coin therefrom. Thus, the dispensers 120a-120d collectively feed into a
collector point distribution 130 where they are passed to interface
module 160, which is configured to interface with at least one dispensing
tray canister or cassette 150 for a given manufacturer, brand, and model
number. It is preferred that the discharge opening of interface module
160 be configured to interface with more than one dispensing tray
canister or cassette 150 for a given manufacturer, brand, and model
number or, still more preferably, a range of dispensing tray canisters or
cassettes for a number of given manufacturers, brands, and models.

[0073] In an alternate configuration, the collection point distribution
130 may itself translate laterally relative to the coin dispenser
structure. This translation of the collection point distribution 130 may
be accomplished using any conventional drive mechanism including, but not
limited to, a belt drive or a stepper motor. The collection point
distribution 130 may travel as a unit with the interface module 160 or
may translate separately therefrom. In still another configuration, the
base or rear of the collection point distribution 130 may rotate through
a predetermined arc about a pivot point with the interface module 160
traveling an associated chord of the arc under the power of an
appropriate conventional rotational drive system, such as a motor with an
optional gear system or gear set. In this aspect, the depth of the
interface module 160 should accommodate the varying extent of the
collection point distribution 130 within the opening to the interface
module 160. In additional configurations, the collection point
distribution 130 may itself comprise a plurality of separate paths
utilizing either conventional gravity or mechanical feed mechanisms to
output coins to the interface module 160. In any of the above aspects,
the tray 150, canister, or cassette may also be configured to translate,
rotate, pivot, move, and/or vibrate relative to the collection point
distribution 130 or interface module 160 to speed or facilitate the
filling operation.

[0074] In yet another configuration, the collection point distribution 130
may comprise a plurality of separate paths utilizing either conventional
gravity or mechanical feed mechanisms to output coins to an equal
plurality of interface modules 160. In this latter aspect, each
denomination of coin could have a separate reservoir, dispenser,
collection point distribution and interface module 160, or each of these
components may be integrated into one or more units having the same
functions. The components could therefore be made stationary, which
eliminates the need to include moving parts, motors, belts, separate
actuators and the like and reduces system cost and maintenance. Each
interface module 160 therein could be optionally manually movable along
an x-axis, y-axis, and/or z-axis or any other defined axis or axes to
accommodate trays, canisters, or cassettes of different configurations
and sizes to enable the system to flexibly adapt to any such tray,
canister, or cassette in the market or the majority thereof.

[0075] The coin interface tray 170 is a modular coin cassette which may be
advantageously adapted to receive a specific tray brand and model number
(e.g., a Telequip 2+coin tray). In many instances, an end user will use a
single type of coin dispenser and associated canister, cassette, or tray
in multiple check-out locations and will need coin interface tray 170 for
such specific canister, cassette, or tray. Thus, in one embodiment, the
coin dispenser 100 can be pre-configured to correspond to a particular
tray brand and model number, but could later be mechanically adjusted or
adapted to receive another tray brand and/or model number, whether by
manipulation of components in the automated coin dispenser 100 (e.g.,
repositioning movable rails or replacing interchangeable rails with new
rails), alteration of the angle of the coin interface tray 170 relative
to the housing, or by purchase of a replacement coin interface tray 170.
Regarding the alteration of the angle of the coin interface tray 170
relative to the housing, the coin interface tray may be optionally
arranged to assume any one angle in a predetermined range of angles,
which may be positive, neutral, or negative with respect to the interface
module 160 output. FIGS. 2(a)-2(d) show that the coin interface tray 170
is positioned with a slight positive angle relative to the interface
module 160 output. In an embodiment wherein the coin interface tray 170
is configured to accept a coin tray of a predetermined make and model,
coin channel information, such as the home position (coin denomination
center position), maximum coin count per position, denomination sequence
for successive coin channels, number of coin channels, etcetera, is
known.

[0076] The automated coin dispenser 100 may be configured to not only
rotate and/or pivot the coin interface tray 170 to adjust an angle
thereof with respect to the vertical or other defined reference axis, but
may also be configured to translate the coin interface tray laterally
(e.g., along a x-axis), vertically (e.g., along a y-axis), and/or along
any other defined axis or axes by means of a drive system 200, which may
comprise a single drive system or a plurality of drive systems. This
translation along one or more axes may be manual, wherein an operator
inserting a coin tray 150 to be filled adjusts the lateral and/or
vertical position of the coin interface tray 170 and coin tray 150, if
necessary, to an appropriate position under the interface module 160.
This translation along one or more axes may also be automated, wherein a
drive system 200, such as one or more actuators or a belt drive adjusts,
under instruction from the computer or processor 210, the lateral and/or
vertical position (and/or along any other defined axis or axes) of the
coin interface tray 170 and coin tray 150, if necessary, to a designated
position under the interface module 160. As noted above, the computer or
processor 210 may be "informed" of the particular coin tray 150 disposed
for filling within the automated coin dispenser 100 by operator data
entry using a conventional data entry device. In still another aspect,
the automated coin dispenser 100 may comprise a vibrator (not shown) or
actuator to vibrate or shake the coin interface tray 170 at one or more
pre-selected frequencies and/or amplitudes or to cycle the coin interface
tray through a range of selected frequencies and/or amplitudes to
facilitate jogging of coins that are improperly disposed within the coin
tray 150 into a preferred orientation.

[0077] In another aspect, the coin interface tray 170 may comprise "N"
separate conductor surfaces, features (e.g., cavities/protrusions), or
components defining switches. Each switch defines an information state,
"on" or "off" In various non-limiting aspects, the coin interface tray
170 switches may comprise surface-mounted pressure switches, exposed
physical contacts, or exposed conductors configured to contact exposed
conductors on a coin tray, cassette, or canister to be received by the
coin interface tray. The switches may also comprise non-contact devices,
such as a plurality of light sources (e.g., laser diodes) arranged to
output a beam toward a portion of a coin tray, cassette, or canister
received by the coin interface tray 170 and light sensors (e.g., CCDs)
arranged to measure a reflected light or an incident light (e.g., light
through holes in the coin tray 150), depending on the configuration, from
a respective portion of the coin tray, cassette, or canister. In this
latter example, the intensity of the reflected light could be correlated
to an "on" or "off" state. Alternatively, the light sensors may be
configured to sense an absence of light output from a continuous,
intermittent, or ambient light source (e.g., which light source becomes
partially or fully occluded or blocked by a coin in the coin tray) and
output a signal corresponding thereto.

[0078] The switches, whatever the form, could be pre-selected in number
and location to define, in combination, a sufficient number of discrete
states to uniquely define a specific manufacturer and model of coin tray,
cassette, canister, or the like, inserted adjacent thereto. In one
aspect, the switch remains in a first state (e.g., an "off" state), such
as by having opposing switch elements being electrically disconnected
from one another and assumes a second state (e.g., an "on" state) when
the opposing elements of the switch are forced into electrical contact,
or are otherwise electrically connected, by insertion of a coin tray,
cassette, or canister having a feature to interact with the selected
switch configuration. The switches may be directly connected to inputs of
a processor, computer, or logic circuit or may be routed through a
conventional multiplexer, I/O device, or register. In combination, a
plurality of switches defines 2.sup.N separate information states such
that 4 switches (N=4) yields 16 discrete states and 8 switches (N =8)
yields 256 discrete states. For a given population of coin trays or
cassettes 150 desired to be associated with the automated coin tray
refill system 100, the population will possess a variety of physical,
electrical, magnetic, or optical characteristics, which permit
configuration of the switches to uniquely identify each of the coin trays
in the population. These characteristic data are stored in a conventional
library or data base addressable by an address or pointer. The library or
data base may be stored in a conventional memory device such as, but not
limited to a ROM, solid-state memory device, hard-disk, floppy-disk, or
CD-ROM drive.

[0079] Thus, for different pre-determined combinations of "N" switch
states, the system 100 may access all necessary information regarding a
coin tray or cassette 150 input into the coin interface tray 170 such as,
but not limited to, coin tray or cassette home position, coin
denomination center position, maximum coin count per position and/or
denomination, coin tray or cassette denomination values, and coin tray
center-coordinates relative to a predetermined reference point. In an
example wherein the Telequip 2+ coin tray is inserted into the coin
interface tray 170, pressure switches 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 may be "on",
while pressure switches 3, 5 and 8 may be "off". The computer or
processor, upon accessing the library, matches these switch states with a
pre-determined set of switch states uniquely assigned to the Telequip 2+
coin tray. Based on this unique association, the processor and computer
code or instruction set will automatically set each system variable
(e.g., home position, maximum coin count per position, coordinates of
each coin tray, required positions of interface module 160, etc.) to
accommodate the identified coin tray (e.g., Telequip 2+ coin tray). Thus,
coin interface tray 170 may be a generic tray suitable to receive any one
of a plurality of different coin trays 150, cassettes, canisters, or the
like, from a variety of different manufacturers, whereupon the automated
coin refill system is cooperatively associated with a memory device
storing state information for such plurality of coin receptacles to
enable the system to appropriately identify the type, style,
manufacturer, and configuration of each coin receptacle.

[0080] In another aspect, the aforementioned switches are omitted and,
instead, the user of the system is requested to input, such as through a
touch screen display 190, the manufacturer and model number of a coin
tray 150 to be filled. The information regarding such coin tray 150
(e.g., denominations, counts, spacing, etc.) is then accessed for use by
the processor 210 and associated software and controls. In still another
aspect, a single known coin tray 150 may be used and a coin interface
tray 170, as such, is not required. The switches are merely one optional
aspect of implemented a universal, automated coin filling system, but
such a universal breadth is not a necessary part of the present concepts.

[0081] The automated coin tray refill system 100 may comprise a display
190, as shown in FIGS. 2(a)-2(d) and at least one data input device
(e.g., display 190 may be a touch screen display) or, alternately, may
comprise one or more conventional I/O ports to accept such devices.
Display 190 is provided to provide visual feedback to an operator of the
refill system 100. The computer 210 may be configured to display, upon
execution of an appropriate code or instruction set, on display 190
information to notify the operator of a low count in any specific coin
dispenser reservoir, indicate residual coin value per column, provide
display for dispensing count and value per column, display day totals,
tray totals and tray filling transactions, or alert the operator to an
error in the system, such as a coin jam. The data input devices (e.g.,
touch-screen display 190) may also be adapted to require entry of an
employee ID or code to track activity on the system 100, to limit access
thereto, and to regulate functions accessible to various categories of
users or operators.

[0082] In lieu of the aforementioned means by which the automated coin
tray refill system 100 may automatically determine an exact make and
model of a coin tray 150 inserted therein, a user of the automated coin
tray refill system may, in one aspect, be prompted by an instruction on
display 190 from the computer or processor 210 to enter the identifying
information for a particular coin tray 150, such as the manufacturer
name, model number, configuration, etc., through an appropriate input
device such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, touch screen display,
mouse, microphone, bar code scanner, or soft key. This arrangement
utilizes existing system components, such as the processor 210 and
display 190, to simplify the system architecture and reduce cost.

[0083] A conventional coin reader 180 is provided to provide to count the
coins present in a specified stack or column of a coin tray. In one
aspect, a single coin reader 180 is movably provided to translate or
rotate between columns or trays of the coin tray 150 to determine a
height of a coin stack therein. This translation of the coin reader 180
may be accomplished using any conventional drive mechanism including, but
not limited to, a belt drive or a stepper motor. Alternatively, a
plurality of movable coin readers 180 may be provided with an associated
plurality of drive systems. In another aspect, a plurality of stationary
coin readers 180 of an appropriate configuration may be provided. The
coin reader(s) 180 is (are) configured to sense a coin height (or
conversely a remaining height to be filled), with or independently of a
processor, using conventional sensing arrangements including but not
limited to, digital tape measures, fixed measurement tools, encoders
(e.g., linear, rotatary, optical, etc.), mechanical switches, reflective
sensors adapted to measure a reflected light from a LED or other light
source or to measure a reflected acoustic or sound signal, or electrical
resistance, capacitance, or hall effect position sensors (e.g., Honeywell
SS400 series Hall effect digital position sensors), or even scales to
measure a collected mass of coins. Any conventional coin reader or
position sensor may be used in accord with the present concepts. The
sensor or sensors may be positively or negatively configured to sense the
presence of a sensed characteristic or, correspondingly, the absence of a
sensed characteristic (i.e., sensing the presence of coins, or the
absence or coins; sensing the activation of a switch or the
non-activation of a switch), as desired. In combination with the computer
or processor 210, the signals output by the coin reader(s) 180 are used
to determine, for example, a residual coin count, a running coin count,
and a final count.

[0084] In lieu of a coin reader 180 able to continuously monitor the exact
number of coins present in (or coins absent from) a stack, one or more
sensors or switches may be disposed at a position or more than one
position to regulate the filling of the corresponding stack. For example,
a sensor could be disposed at a 25% full point, a 50% full point, a 75%
full point, a 95% full point and a 100% full point, or any other selected
point or points, and the processor 210 in combination with associated
software and controllers regulating the dispensing of coins from
dispensers 120a-120d, could adjust the rate of flow so as not to overfill
the tray or retain excess coinage in the interface module or other system
components. In the event the combination of the control system components
and sensors are not fast enough to prevent discharge of too many coins
from the dispensers 120a-120d, a conventional bypass could be provided in
the interface module 160 or collector point distribution member 130 to
route excess coins into a holding area or escrow. As another option, the
automated coin refilling system 100 may simply be configured to discharge
a discrete predetermined amounts of coins, such as by offering a limited
selection of options on display 190. For example, a user of the system
may be offered the selection between $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $30, $40, $50,
etc. or any other value or increment, of any selected coin (e.g., penny,
nickel, dime, quarter, etc.). These variables may clearly include any
conventional denomination and container amount (e.g., a standard
40-quarter roll would take a $10 fill). Alternately, the user of the
system may be offered the selected to dispense a selected quantity of
coins of a selected denomination.

[0085] When a coin tray 150 is inserted into the coin interface tray 170
and is recognized by the automated coin tray refill system, or when such
identifying information is entered by a user using an appropriate data
input device, the computer or processor 210 may utilize the signals
output by the coin reader 180 for each tray or stack of the coin tray to
determine an initial state of the coin tray (e.g., full, empty, partially
filled, etc.). For example, the coin reader 180 may output signals for
each of the Telequip 2+ coin trays to the computer 210 which, upon
accessing of the library information regarding the Telequip 2+ coin tray,
can determine that the signals output by the coin reader 180 correspond
to a 10 tray that is 20% full, an empty 50 tray, a 10% full 100 tray, and
an empty 250 tray. The computer 210 can then to provide count and
denomination instructions to the dispenser system.

[0086] In one aspect, the computer or processor 210 comprises a code chip
and a library chip, which may be separate chips, partitioned portions of
a single chip, or different logical units. The code chip comprises or is
operatively associated with an instruction set or coding which, upon
execution, interprets data output from the coin interface tray 170,
compares that interpreted data to data stored in a library address, and
separately stores or outputs the data of a library address found to
correspond to the interpreted data. The code chip also interfaces with
the display 190 and, upon execution of an appropriate code or instruction
set based upon a corresponding signal from the code chip, issues a low
coin alert for a specified denomination reservoir 110(a)-110(d).

[0087] The code chip further interfaces with the dispensers 120(a)-120(d)
and coin reader 180 and, upon execution of an appropriate code or
instruction set based upon a corresponding signal from the code chip,
reads an existing coin count and value per column in the coin tray 150
tray or reads the dispensed value and coin count per column. The code
chip is also configured to compile information including, for example,
denomination totals and errors for individual filling sessions or for
cumulative periods, such as day totals.

[0088] In various aspects, the code chip reads output signals from the
respective drive systems and/or actuators which might employ position
encoders (e.g., linear encoders, rotary encoders, incremental encoders,
magnetic encoders, optical encoders, etc.) or other mechanisms or devices
to provide an indication of incremental movement or step of the
associated drive system or actuator, such as drive systems controlling
the dispensers 120(a)-120(d), interface module 160, coin reader 180,
and/or coin interface tray 170. The output signals from the respective
drive signals and/or actuators provide information which may be
correlated to the position of the drive system, such as the distance of a
selected drive system component reference point from a home position. The
code chip is also able to analyze thermal signals, such as might be
output by a motor thermal overload circuit, and provide output signals
with an appropriate pre-programmed response, such as to shut down an
overheating motor and to display an error or warning message on display
190.

[0089] The code chip is also configured, by means of appropriate
instructions sets and/or coding, to analyze electrical contact signals
from the switches or other like components and access a library or data
base to compare the plurality of switch states to known switch states for
specified coin trays 150. The code chip is also configured, by means of
appropriate instructions sets and/or coding, to analyze output signals
from coin reader 180 to provide a current coin count or to calculate a
residual coin depth/position (defining existing coin count or remaining
coin count) and to correspondingly output a signal to the coin dispensers
120(a)-120(d) to output a number of coins needed to fill the coin tray
150 denomination, as well as to calculate sums, day totals, perform other
similar types of calculations and write them to files for later access.

[0090] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a coin dispenser 100 in accord with
the present concepts illustrating the relationship between some of the
expected systems in the implementation herein described. FIG. 3
illustrates one approach to the automated method of filling coin trays,
cassettes, hoppers, bags, and canisters in accord with the presently
disclosed concepts and this depicted conceptual framework outlines some
features characteristic of one aspect of automated coin tray refill
device 100.

[0091] FIG. 3 shows, in block diagram form, a plurality of reservoirs
110a-110d, each reservoir feeding into a respective plurality of
dispensers 120a-120d. The output from dispensers 120a-120d feeds into the
collector point distribution 130 and then to the interface module tray
170 through an appropriate distribution device (e.g., a funnel, chute, or
belt). A coin tray 150 of a specific brand and model number is disposed
in the interface module tray 170 and switches or other identifying
features (or operator input) are used to provide signals to the computer
210 to inform the automated coin tray refill device 100 of the particular
characteristics of the coin tray. This characteristic information data is
stored in a data base or library accessible to the computer 210. Once the
coin tray 150 configuration is known, the computer 210 may then control,
for example, a coin tray drive or coin interface module tray 170 drive
and/or the coin reader 180 drive to position the coin tray 150 and/or
coin reader 180 for initial inventorying or reading of the tray position.
Such drive systems would advantageously comprise encoders adapted to
provide position feedback signals to the computer 210. The computer 210
controls the output from the dispensers 120(a)-120(d) and monitors, for
example, the coin fill position, coin count, and value fill conditions
using the coin reader 180.

[0092] It is to be noted that the processor 210 and associated software
and instructions may be configured to vary any of the above noted
variables (e.g., position and/or rotational orientation of the coin tray;
configuration of funnel output; rate of dispensing of coins from
dispensers 120a-120d; movement, rotation, vibration, and/or operating
speed of collector point distribution member 130, as applicable, etc.)
dynamically during any portion of the refilling process. For example, the
coin interface tray 170 angle with respect to the interface module 160
may vary between a pre-selected range of angles and/or the output
configuration of the interface module output may be adjusted during
filling of a giving denomination to take into account the particular
characteristics and behaviors of each type of coin throughout the filling
process.

[0093] While the present concepts have been described with reference to
one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from
the spirit and scope of the concepts presented herein. For example,
although the disclosure discusses the example wherein the coin tray 150
channels are sequentially filled, the coin dispenser 100 could be
configured to fill a plurality of channels simultaneously, such as in the
aspect of the disclosure wherein a plurality of interface modules 160
and/or a plurality of collector point distribution members 130 are
provided. Moreover, a plurality of coin trays 150 could also be processed
and filled simultaneously with appropriate multiplication of coin tray
receiving areas and interface modules. In one aspect thereof, a single
coin source (e.g., a coin reservoir or a coin sorting machine) may
dispense coins to a plurality of affixed coin trays (e.g., quarters to
one tray having multiple quarter coin channels, dimes to another tray
having multiple dime coin channels, a mixture of quarters, nickels, dimes
to yet another coin tray, etc.).

[0094] In still other potential modifications, the output of the interface
module 160 could be configured, via a conventional mechanical connection
device (e.g., a threaded portion), to receive any one of a plurality of
different adapters configured to correspond to a specified coin tray.
Such adapters could be particularly useful to fill individual coin tubes
or paper roll tubes. In still another example, the coin interface tray
170 and the coin tray 150 could be integrated into a single unit.

[0095] In accord with another aspect, a method for automatic filling of a
coin receptacle comprises the steps of providing an automated coin tray
refilling system having at least one coin reservoir and providing at
least one coin dispenser for regulating the dispensing of coins. The
method also includes providing a collector point distribution member
adapted to receive coins from coin dispenser(s) at one portion thereof
and to output the coins at another portion thereof. The method further
includes the step of providing an interface module having an input end
disposed to receive coins output from the collector point distribution
member and having an output end for dispensing coins, as well as a coin
interface tray adapted to receive a coin tray, paper coin roll, and/or
coin tube. The method further includes the step of providing a
processor(s), wherein the interface module and/or coin interface tray
comprise a drive system configured to move a respective one of the
interface module and coin interface tray. The method also includes the
steps of disposing a coin tray in the coin receiving area and activating
the automated coin dispenser.

[0096] Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is
contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure,
set forth in the following claims. For example, the individual coin
channels in the dispenser trays 150 may be filled sequentially or
non-sequentially and may be filled single or in plural (i.e., more than
one coin channel (e.g., some, all) being filled substantially
simultaneously). Further, various components described herein may be
combined without departing from the concepts presented herein such as,
but not limited to, the interface module 160 may be integrated with the
collector point distribution 130 or the collector point distribution may
be integrated with the dispensers 120a-d.

[0097] FIG. 5 shows one example of a self-service machine 510 in accord
with at least one example of an aspect of the present concepts. The
self-service machine 510, as shown, comprises a coin processing module
500 and a repurposing module 570, but may optionally include additional
modules to perform other functions (e.g., a value card dispensing module,
a check processing module, a bill processing module, etc.).

[0098] The repurposing module 570 comprises a coin repurposing module
("coin repurposer") in at least some aspects of the present concepts. In
other aspects, the repurposing module may comprise both a coin
repurposing module and currency bill repurposing module, such as is
represented in FIG. 10.

[0099] In the embodiment of the self-service machine 510 shown in FIG. 5,
the self-service machine 510 includes a touch screen 512 and/or other
user interface(s) 513 to receive inputs from a user and to display
information and prompts or queries to the user. While the touch screen
512 provides one mode of instruction entry from the user of the
self-service machine 510, the self-service machine may additionally
comprise other devices permitting input of instructions such as, but not
limited to, a keypad, keyboard, and/or push-buttons (represented by
reference numeral 511) or a microphone 517.

[0100] For typical, direct use of the self-service machine 510 by a user
to process coins, the user is permitted to input instructions by
selection of presented options and interfaces before, during or after
processing of the bulk coin, as appropriate. For example, following
processing of a batch of coins, the user may be prompted to confirm that
the transaction is complete or to confirm that additional coins are to be
included with the previously input batch of coins.

[0101] A data media processing device 523, such as but not limited to a
card reader, is also advantageously, but optionally, provided to enable
the self-service machine 510 to read data borne by a data media, such as
the magnetic strip of a user's credit card, bank card, ATM card, debit
card, retail card (such as Target, or Jewel, etc.), identification card,
employee card, etc. and/or to read data borne by a card based data
storage medium (e.g., optical card, smart card, etc.). In addition or in
the alternative, the data media processing device 523 may be configured
to accept and process other types of data media such as, but not limited
to, electronic purses or wallets, fob devices, RFIDs, solid state
devices, or RF or near field devices.

[0102] As noted above, the self-service machine 510 includes a coin
processing module 500, which comprises a coin input area 514 configured
to receive a batch of coins of a single denomination or mixed
denominations from a user for processing such as sorting, discriminating,
counting, and/or repurposing. Once processed, the value of the batch of
coins may be determined and the value converted to another medium, as
described herein.

[0103] In the example of FIG. 5, the coin processing module 500 coin input
area 514 is of a "gravity-feed" type having sloped or funnel-shaped
surfaces 515 to direct coins to a coin processing area within the coin
processing module. Alternatively, the coin input area 514 could utilize a
pivoting coin tray such as, but not limited to, the pivoting coin tray
shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,495 or U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,570, which are
each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Such pivoting
coin trays permit movement of the tray from a first position (e.g., a
substantially horizontal position or a declined position), which retains
the coins in the coin tray until such time as the user is ready to
process the coins, to a second position, wherein the coin tray is
inclined so as to cause the coins to slide downwardly under the force of
gravity through the opening 516 and into the coin processing module 500.
Alternatively, any other input device employing any alternative means of
conveyance may be utilized in accord with the present concepts including,
but not limited to a conveyance system (e.g., conveyor belt(s), a
rotating disc, or a plurality of counter-rotating discs, etc.).

[0104] The self-service machine 510 optionally includes one or more
dispensing slot(s), port(s) or the like 524 for providing a user (e.g., a
patron, an employee, an armored carrier, etc.) with a record of a
transaction performed at the self-service machine or a machine-related
record (e.g., transaction record, transaction history, service-related
record, machine status information, machine sub-system status
information, etc.), as appropriate to the user. In addition thereto, or
in the alternative, one or more media read/write device(s)(not shown) are
provided to receive and/or dispense media via a media port (not shown)
and/or to output an electronic record of a transaction performed at the
self-service machine or a machine-related record. For example, the
self-service machine 510 can automatically provide a printed receipt to a
patron via the paper dispensing slot 524 or a patron may optionally
request that an electronic receipt be transmitted to the user's personal
electronic device (e.g., cell phone, electronic purse, etc.) be given the
option to forgo receipt of a printed receipt.

[0105] FIG. 6 shows an example of a disk-type coin processing unit 600
that can be used in the coin processing module 500 of the self-service
machine(s) 510 disclosed herein. The opening 116 of the coin input area
514, shown in FIG. 5, leads to a hopper 610, a portion of which is shown
in FIG. 6, for receiving the mass of coins input into the coin input area
514 of FIG. 5. The hopper 610 channel feeds the coins through a central
opening 630 in an annular, stationary sorting head 612. As the coins pass
through this opening, the coins are deposited on the top surface of a
resilient pad 618 disposed on a rotatable disk 614.

[0106] This rotatable disk 614 is mounted for rotation on a shaft (not
shown) and driven by an electric motor 616. The rotation of the rotatable
disk 614 of FIG. 6 is slowed and stopped by a braking mechanism 620. The
disk 614 typically comprises a resilient pad 618, preferably made of a
resilient rubber or polymeric material, bonded to, fastened on, or
integrally formed with the top surface of a solid disk 622. The resilient
pad 618 may be compressible such that coins laying on the top surface
thereof are biased or otherwise pressed upwardly against the bottom
surface of the sorting head 612 as the rotatable disk 614 rotates. The
solid disk 622 is typically fabricated from metal, but it can also be
made of other materials, such as a rigid polymeric material or composite
material.

[0107] The underside of the inner periphery of the sorting head 612 is
spaced above the pad 618 by a distance which is approximately the same as
or, in some embodiments, just slightly less than the thickness of the
thinnest coin. While the disk 614 rotates, coins deposited on the
resilient pad 618 tend to slide outwardly over the top surface of the pad
618 due to centrifugal force. As the coins continue to move outwardly,
those coins that are lying flat on the pad 618 enter the gap between the
upper surface of the pad 618 and the lower surface of the sorting head
612. As is described in further detail below, the sorting head 612
includes a plurality of coin directing channels (also referred to herein
as "shaped regions" or "exit channels") for manipulating the movement of
the coins from an entry area to a plurality of exit stations where the
coins are discharged from the coin processing unit 600. The coin
directing channels may sort the coins into their respective denominations
and discharge the coins from exit stations in the sorting head 612
corresponding to their denominations.

[0108] Referring now to FIG. 7, the underside of the sorting head 612 is
shown. The coin set for a given country can be sorted by the sorting head
612 due to variations in the diameter of the individual coin
denominations. The coins circulate between the stationary sorting head
612 and the rotating pad 618 on the rotatable disk 614, as shown in FIG.
6. Coins that are deposited on the pad 618 via a central opening 630
initially enter an entry channel 632 formed in the underside of the
sorting head 612.

[0109] An outer wall 636 of the entry channel 632 divides the entry
channel 632 from the lowermost surface 640 of the sorting head 612. The
lowermost surface 640 is preferably spaced from the pad 618 by a distance
that is slightly less than the thickness of the thinnest coins.
Consequently, the initial outward radial movement of all the coins is
terminated when the coins engage the outer wall 636, although the coins
continue to move more circumferentially along the wall 636 (e.g., in a
counterclockwise direction in FIG. 7) by the rotational movement imparted
to the coins by the pad 618 of the rotatable disk 614.

[0110] While the pad 618 continues to rotate, those coins that were
initially aligned along the wall 636 move across the ramp 662 leading to
a queuing channel 666 for aligning the innermost edge of each coin along
an inner queuing wall 670. The coins are gripped between the queuing
channel 666 and the pad 618 as the coins are rotated through the queuing
channel 666. The coins, which were initially aligned with the outer wall
636 of the entry channel 632 as the coins move across the ramp 662 and
into the queuing channel 666, are rotated into engagement with inner
queuing wall 670. As the pad 618 continues to rotate, the coins which are
being positively driven by the pad move through the queuing channel 666
along the queuing wall 670 past a trigger sensor 634 and a discrimination
sensor 638, which is operable for discriminating between valid and
invalid coins. In some embodiments, the discrimination sensor 638 is also
operable to determine the denomination of the coins. The trigger sensor
634 sends a signal to the discrimination sensor 638 that a coin is
approaching.

[0111] In the illustrated example, coins determined to be invalid are
rejected by a diverting pin 642 that is lowered into the coin path such
that the pin 642 impacts the invalid coin and thereby redirects the
invalid coin to a reject channel 644. The reject channel 644 guides the
rejected coins to a reject chute that returns the coin to the user (e.g.,
rejected coins are routed to the coin reject receptacle 522 of FIG. 5).
The diverting pin 642 depicted in FIG. 7 remains in a retracted
"nondiverting" position until an invalid coin is detected. Those coins
not diverted into the reject channel 644 continue along inner queuing
wall 670 to a gauging region 650. The inner queuing wall 670 terminates
just downstream of the reject channel 644; thus, the coins no longer abut
the inner queuing wall 670 at this point and the queuing channel 666
terminates. The radial position of the coins is maintained, because the
coins remain under pad pressure, until the coins contact an outer wall
652 of the gauging region 650. The gauging wall 652 aligns the coins
along a common outer radius as the coins approach a series of coin exit
channels 661-668 which discharge coins of different denominations through
corresponding exit stations 681-688. The first exit channel 661 is
dedicated to the smallest coin to be sorted (e.g., the dime in the U.S.
coin set). Beyond the first exit channel 661, the sorting head 612 shown
in FIGS. 3-4 forms seven more exit channels 662-668 which discharge coins
of different denominations at different circumferential locations around
the periphery of the sorting head 612. Thus, the exit channels 661-668
are spaced circumferentially around the outer periphery of the sorting
head 612 with the innermost edges of successive channels located
progressively closer to the center of the sorting head 612 so that coins
are discharged in the order of increasing diameter. The number of exit
channels can vary according to alternative embodiments of the present
disclosure and could advantageously utilize a single exit channel.

[0112] The innermost edges of the exit channels 661-668 are positioned so
that the inner edge of a coin of only one particular denomination can
enter each channel 661-268. The coins of all other denominations reaching
a given exit channel extend inwardly beyond the innermost edge of that
particular exit channel so that those coins cannot enter the channel and,
therefore, continue on to the next exit channel under the circumferential
movement imparted on them by the pad 618. To maintain a constant radial
position of the coins, the pad 618 continues to exert pressure on the
coins as they move between successive exit channels 661-668.

[0114] In accord with aspects of the present concepts, such as that
represented in the self-service machine 510 of FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, the
coin processing module 500 is functionally associated with a coin
repurposing module 570 ("coin repurposer") and selectively outputs coins
thereto for packaging and repurposing/distribution.

[0117] A host system (e.g., a dedicated local computer 550 or remote
computer 555) is optionally communicatively coupled to a plurality of
self-service machines 510a, 510b, . . . 510n to communicate with each of
the self-service machines 510 for tracking the various transactions
(e.g., deposits) occurring therein and/or monitoring a status of the
self-service machines, or sub-systems or components therein. By way of
example, the self-service machines 510 send signals to the host system
550, 555 when a fault condition (e.g., a coin jam, coin bag is full,
etc.) is encountered.

[0118] In one example of communications between the self-service machine
and external systems, a store (e.g., Business #1 in FIG. 9) may input a
threshold condition (e.g., mixed coin receptacles B1-B3 full, mixed coin
receptacle B4 75% full) for the self-service machine 510 controller 520
to initiate communication via communication device 534 and/or I/O 540 and
associated communication pathway(s) to a remote computer 555 associated
with the armored carrier service and place a request for the armored
carrier service to pick up coins from the self-service machine 510.

[0119] In another example of communications between the self-service
machine 510 and external systems, and as discussed elsewhere herein, a
store (e.g., Business #2 in FIG. 9) or a user (e.g., User #1 in FIG. 9)
may input a request for coins (e.g., via a remote computer 555 or remote
user interface 556) of a specific total and/or mix. The self-service
machine 510 controller 520, during one or more subsequent coin processing
operations, then controls the actuator(s) 550 to distribute the specific
total and/or mix to one of the intermediate coin holding areas 11-14
shown in FIG. 8, with the balance of the coins processed during the one
or more subsequent coin processing operations being deposited in one or
more of the coin receptacles B1-B4 (e.g., coin bins, coin bags, etc.), as
appropriate to the receptacle (e.g., single denomination, mixed
denomination, etc.). As shown in FIG. 8, the coin receptacles B1-B4 are
disposed within a secured area 585 (represented by a dashed line)
accessible by authorized personnel, such as an armored carrier service or
business employee (e.g., where the business is a financial institution).

[0120] Alternatively, responsive to the coin order from the business or
user, the self-service machine 510 controller 520, during one or more
subsequent coin processing operations, controls the actuator(s) 550 to
distribute the specific total and/or mix to more than one of the
intermediate coin holding areas 11-14 shown in FIG. 8, with the balance
of the coins processed during the one or more subsequent coin processing
operations being deposited in one or more of the coin receptacles B1-B4
(e.g., coin bins, coin bags, etc.), as appropriate to the receptacle
(e.g., single denomination, mixed denomination, etc.). In this latter
example, a user may specify coins of different denominations to be
separately packaged and, rather than a single intermediate coin holding
area (e.g., I1) being temporarily dedicated to the order placed by the
business or user (e.g., mixed coins of the specified total and/or mix), a
plurality of intermediate coin holding areas (e.g., I1-I2) are
temporarily dedicated to the order placed by the business or user (e.g.,
mixed coins of the specified total and/or mix), with one of the
intermediate coin holding areas designated to hold coins of a single
denomination. In yet another example, one or more of the intermediate
coin holding areas can each be designated to receive and dispense a
single denomination (e.g., I1 (quarters), I2 (dimes), I3 (nickels), I4
(pennies)). In such example, the intermediate coin holding areas I1-I4
may comprise, by way of example, a Suzo Cube Hopper MK2.RTM., Suzo
excel.TM. hopper, Suzo Evolution Hopper, Asahi Seiko SH-400 Mini Coin
Hopper, and/or Asahi Seiko WH-2 or WH-3 Coin Hopper, which are single
denomination hoppers configured to hold and discharge coins of a single
denomination. Of course, the intermediate coin holding areas I1-I4 may
comprise any coin storage and dispensing device, or any combination of
different coin storage and dispensing device (i.e., different
intermediate coin holding areas may comprise different coin storage and
dispensing devices), including, by way of further example, coin hoppers
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,017,176, 6,626,752 B2, 6,776,703 B2,
6,991,530 B2, 7,163,454 B2, 7,429,213 B2, and 7,771,258 B2, each of which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0121] Of course, the representation of the self-service machine 510 in
FIG. 8 is exemplary and more (or less) coin receptacles or intermediate
coin holding areas may be provided within the self-service machine 510 or
appurtenant structures. For example, five coin receptacles (e.g., B1-B5)
are provided with the coin receptacles being configured to receive
quarters, dimes, nickels, pennies and mixed denomination, respectively.
In another configuration, ten coin receptacles (e.g., B1-B10) are
provided with one or more coin receptacles being configured to receive
each of quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, and one or more coin
receptacles being configured to receive mixed denominations (e.g.,
overflow). Such "overflow" permits diversion of coins from a
single-denomination receptacle or intermediate coin holding area that has
reached its limit. The overflow receptacle would contain mixed
denomination coins that would need to be sorted during a post-sorting
operation, which could include a coin-repurposing operation later
conducted within the self-service machine 510. Utilization of one or more
overflow receptacles extends the time between coin receptacle changes
(e.g., armored carrier pickup) and reduces the potential for machine
service interruption. Likewise, additional intermediate coin holding
areas could be provided (e.g., eight intermediate coin holding areas
I1-I8) with one or more coin receptacles being configured to receive and
output each of quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies.

[0122] In at least some embodiments, one or more actuators or actuated
devices 550, as represented in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, are utilized within
the stationary sorting head and/or outside of the stationary sorting head
to control the movement of the coins within the coin processing module or
outside of the coin processing module. For example, in some embodiments,
coin counting sensors are disposed in each of the coin exit channels
(e.g., exit channels 661-668 of FIG. 7) of the sorting head 612 or are
disposed just outside the periphery of the sorting head. Alternatively, a
single counting sensor can be employed (e.g., discrimination sensor 638
can be utilized as a counting sensor where a valid coin signature is
counted as a valid coin of a particular identified denomination). However
configured, as coins move past the counting sensor(s), the controller 520
receives a signal from the counting sensor(s) for each valid coin output
from the sorting head 612 and adds one to a counter maintained in the
physical memory 529 for that particular denomination (or maintained in a
remote physical memory (e.g., reference numeral 557 in FIG. 8)).

[0123] As noted above, the self-service machine 510 comprises one or more
coin receptacles B1-B4 such as, but not limited to, one or more coin
bin(s), one or more coin bag(s) (of any size), one or more coin
cassette(s), etcetera, to receive coins output from the coin processing
module 500.

[0124] In accord with the present concepts, selected coins output from the
coin processing module 500 are output to a coin repurposer 570 wherein
the coins are packaged and preferably, but optionally, sealed, in a
deliverable coin package (e.g., fabric bag, plastic bag(s), plastic wrap,
shrink-wrap, sealed container, plastic coin tube, paper coin tube, etc.).
The deliverable coin package may comprise, for example, one or more
sealable bags that are sealed, in the coin repurposer or external to the
coin repurposer, using one or more of an adhesive seal, an ultrasonic
seal, a heat seal, a mechanical sealing device (e.g., crimping, metal
band, etc.), and/or other conventional sealing device.

[0125] The coin packages formed by the coin repurposer 570 are output to a
secured repurposing location within the self-service machine 510 (e.g.,
small to medium repurposed currency retrieval areas R1-R4 or large
repurposed currency retrieval area S1 in accessible region 535
(represented by a dashed line)) where they are accessible to designated
personnel or customers. As noted above, the coin receptacle(s) B1-B4 are
configured to either receive a single denomination of coin (e.g.,
quarters only) or to receive any combination of mixed denominations of
coins (e.g., quarters and dimes in a mixed receptacle). In accord with
various aspects of the present concepts, one or more coin receptacles
(e.g., B1-B4 in FIG. 8) are utilized to store coins deposited by users,
for eventual pickup by an armored carrier, and the coin repurposer(s) 570
is utilized to package coins deposited by one or more users of the
self-service machine 510.

[0126] In at least some aspects of the present concepts, one or more
intermediary coin storage units (e.g., I1-I4 shown in FIG. 8) are
disposed between the coin processing module 500 and the coin
repurposer(s) 570 to regulate flow between the coin processing module 500
and the coin repurposer(s). When the intermediary coin storage units,
individually or collectively, bear enough coins to satisfy an order for a
specific coin total and/or mix, the intermediary coin storage unit(s)
output coins corresponding to the specific coin total and/or mix to the
coin repurposer 570 to package the coins in a deliverable coin package
(e.g., plastic bag, plastic wrap, shrink-wrapped container, sealed
container, plastic tray, etc.). In at least some aspects of the present
concepts, the self-service machine 510 is configured to discharge
processed coins to the one or more intermediary coin storage units until
the one or more intermediary coin storage units are full, at which time
the controller 520 diverts processed coins to the one or more coin
receptacles (e.g., B1-B4 in FIG. 8) designated for pickup by an armored
carrier. In other aspects, the self-service machine 510 is configured to
discharge processed coins to the one or more intermediary coin storage
units until such time as a set partially full condition (e.g., 50% full,
75% full, etc.) has been satisfied, at which time the controller 520
diverts processed coins to the one or more coin receptacles (e.g., B1-B4
in FIG. 8) designated for pickup by an armored carrier.

[0127] In at least some aspects, the deliverable coin package could
comprise one or more bags disposed within another bag. For example, one
or more bags of each of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters are able to
be provided within one larger bag. As another example, the deliverable
coin package comprises one bag having disposed therein a plurality of
separate, single-denomination bags that collectively form a
pre-determined (e.g., determined by the business in which the
self-service machine 510 is disposed, programmed, selected from a menu,
input into data entry fields, etc.) coin mix for a cash register drawer.
Thus, at the beginning of a cashier's shift, the cashier can retrieve a
single bag from the self-service machine 510 (e.g., accessing a
designated repurposed currency retrieval area using an employee code),
take an empty till and fill it with the provided coins. Similarly, if the
self-service machine 510 comprises a currency bill module, currency bills
may optionally be packaged together with the coins in the deliverable
coin package (e.g., a defined "cashier till mix" comprising a
predetermined number of 20-dollar bills, 10-dollar bills, 5-dollar bills,
one-dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies). Where the
self-service machine 510 comprises a currency bill module, a strapping
module or other currency bill packaging module may optionally be provided
to strap or wrap the currency bills together in a mixed-currency bundle
or may strap or wrap the currency bills separately by denomination.

[0128] As noted above, a business in which the self-service machine 510
(or other requestor) can control a quantity of coins, denominations of
coins, and packaging (e.g., mixed coin or coin separated by denomination)
for each deliverable coin package or packages. In one example, a business
(e.g., a store, a grocery store, a "big box" store, etc.) instructs the
self-service machine 510 to produce quarter bags each having two hundred
quarters for self-checkout stations of the business because those
stations have larger coin hoppers that require greater volumes of
quarters than the cashier's tills. In other words, the repurposing
feature of the self-service machine 510 is advantageously programmable by
a user of the self-service machine 510 such as by, for example, selection
of inputs (e.g., selectable buttons, soft buttons, etc.) from a
self-service machine GUI or by selection of inputs from a computer or
device (e.g., a POS system, a cashier terminal, a tablet computer, a
smart phone, a wireless device, local computer, remote computer, etc.)
communicatively coupled to the self-service machine.

[0129] To illustrate one potential GUI, a smart phone application links a
cellular phone to the self-service machine and displays, on the smart
phone GUI, an interface adapted to receive an input of an amount
requested (e.g., $55), following which successive inputs define how the
amount requested is to be allocated as to denomination(s). Alternatively,
the smart phone GUI interface is adapted to directly receive inputs of
numbers of one of more available coin denominations, numbers of one of
more available coin denominations of bills, or numbers of both one of
more available denominations of both coins and bills, as applicable to a
particular self-service machine 510. Following input of the requested
amount of the deliverable currency package to be formed by the
self-service machine 510, the smart phone GUI then guides the user
through various options that may be available regarding form of packaging
(e.g., different classes of users may be afforded different options for
packaging), labeling of the deliverable currency package(s), and other
transaction variables (e.g., expected time for pick-up, etc.). The
controller(s) 520 of the self-service machine may optionally inform the
user, via the smart phone GUI, as to whether or not the order for the
requested deliverable currency package(s) can be immediately filled via
currency physically residing in the self-service machine 510 or whether
the order will require additional time to fulfill. Optionally, the smart
phone GUI displays to the user potential alternative formulations of the
requested amount that could be immediately satisfied by the self-service
machine or other amounts that could be immediately satisfied by the
self-service machine. Ultimately, the user is guided by the smart phone
GUI to a payment screen where the user makes payment for, or accounting
for, the deliverable currency package(s) to be formed by the self-service
machine 510. Of course, this functionality would also available through
the self-service machine GUI.

[0130] The programmable features include, without limitation, inputs
facilitating selection of a specified mix of currency (e.g., coins,
currency bills, or both, of specified numbers and denominations),
selection of a specified type of packaging selected from a plurality of
packaging options, selection of a specified label or labels for the
packaging selected or for a default package, selection of a specified
output designation (e.g., repurposed currency retrieval area(s),
intermediary coin storage unit(s), etc.), selection of different forms of
notification to the person ordering the repurposed currency (e.g., email,
text, phone message, etc.). Additionally, the programmable features
advantageously include provision for allowing a user to specify different
standing orders for different times of the day and/or for different days
with corresponding standing provisions for payment for such orders. By
way of example, coin requirements of a business utilizing a high volume
of coins in the cash tills may be greater on a Friday or Saturday than on
a Monday and the business's schedule for utilizing repurposed coins from
a store-based self-service machine 510 (or a self-service machine 510
located in another store or other nearby location) may reflect varying
needs over a day or over days of the week.

[0131] After formation of the deliverable coin package, the coin
repurposer 570 then outputs the deliverable coin package to a repurposed
currency retrieval area R1-R4 for pickup by the business or by the user
submitting the coin order or an agent thereof, as appropriate. The
repurposed currency retrieval areas R1-R4 may be of the same size or
volume or may comprise more than one different size or volume. Moreover,
a greater number or a lesser number of repurposed currency retrieval
areas R1-Rx may be provided, where x is any integer.

[0132] In the event that a requested order has the potential to exceed a
storage capacity of a repurposed currency retrieval area, the
self-service machine 510 can be configured to automatically divide the
order into separate deliverable coin packages and dispense such separate
deliverable coin packages to two repurposed currency retrieval areas.

[0133] In at least some aspects, the one or more intermediary coin storage
units (e.g., I1-I4 shown in FIG. 8) are maintained with a predetermined
level of coins (e.g., full, 90% full, 80% full, etc.) so as to be able to
rapidly fill orders for coins. Further, the one or more intermediary coin
storage units (e.g., I1-I4 shown in FIG. 8) are configured to dispense
not only to respective repurposed currency retrieval area(s), but are
optionally configured to dispense to coin receptacle(s) B1-B4, as
represented by the arrows in FIG. 8 from intermediary coin storage units
I1-I4 to the coin receptacles B1-B4 to provide an alternative means to
discharge the intermediary coin storage units I1-I4 if desired or needed
(e.g., for coin pick up by armored service).

[0134] In another example, the requestor (i.e., the business submitting
the coin order or the user submitting the coin order) could be required
by the self-service machine 510 to pre-authorize an employee of the
business in which the self-service machine 510 is disposed to pickup and
hold the coin package (e.g., in a back room, at a service desk, etc.) on
behalf of the requestor so as ensure that at least one repurposed
currency retrieval area is always available for a new order. Thus, using
the example of FIG. 9, a designated business employee of Business #1 in
FIG. 9 could be authorized to retrieve coin packages from one or more of
repurposed currency retrieval area(s) R1-R4, or other repurposed currency
retrieval area(s) of SSM #1, as applicable, and hold such packages in a
secure area for later pickup by the requestor.

[0135] As noted above, in some aspects of the present concepts, the order
may be placed by a user or business via a remote computer 555 or remote
user interface 556 located remotely from the self-service machine 510. In
other aspects of the present concepts, the order may be placed by a user
of the self-service machine 510 to receive back, via the coin repurposer
570, a portion of the input coins in the form of the noted deliverable
coin package. For example, a user may have a large volume of coins to
process, but the user does not want to pick through the coins to remove
all of the quarters and the user wants to keep the quarters while
depositing the remainder of the coins (e.g., to receive cash or value
card in return therefor, to transmit the deposited amount to an account,
etc.). The user could therefore instruct the self-service machine 510 to
package all quarters and return them to the user following processing.
The coin package formed of all of the processed quarters is then
discharged to a repurposed currency retrieval area R1-R4, where it may be
retrieved by the user, and the user is instructed (e.g., via display 512,
lights (not shown), etc.) as to which repurposed currency retrieval area
bears the package. The repurposed currency retrieval areas R1-R4 each
advantageously comprise a controlled access panel 580 comprising a lock
(e.g., an electromagnetic lock, an electromechanical lock, etc.)
controllable by the controller 520, the controller enabling temporary
access to a specified access panel 580 responsive to entry of a secure
code, ID, biometric characteristic or the like into the self-service
machine 510 (e.g., an entry in the touch screen 512 and/or other user
interface(s) 513, transmission to or input to data media processing
device 523, etc.). Where a user is requesting a coin package
contemporaneously with a processing transaction, such as the above-noted
example wherein a coin package formed of all of the user's processed
quarters is discharged to a repurposed currency retrieval area (e.g.,
R1), the controller unlocks the magnetically-controlled access panel 580
corresponding to that repurposed currency retrieval area to permit access
thereto by the user (e.g., the access panel could be enabled to rotate
about a hinge when pressed, the access panel could be configured to
automatically slide to an open position, the access panel door could be
actuator-driver responsive to controller 520, etc.).

[0136] In at least some aspects, a transaction-specific label, receipt,
record, ticket, or device (e.g., RFID) is affixed to the package produced
by the self-service machine 510. In other aspects, such
transaction-specific label, receipt, record, ticket, or device is
incorporated into the package or deposited into the repurposed currency
retrieval area together with the package. The self-service machine 510
printer (not shown) may comprise, for example, a conventional laser
printer, an ink-jet printer, impact dot matrix printer, or a thermal
printer. The descriptive label, receipt, or record could include, but is
not limited to, any combination of order date, order request, remote
computer or remote device ID, ordering entity or person, number of coins
for each denomination, total amount for each denomination, service fees,
date and time of deposit to repurposed currency retrieval area,
code(s)(e.g., alphanumeric text and/or computer-readable image such as a
2-D or 3-D bar-code for security or identification), or other
transaction-related information.

[0137] In at least some aspects of the present concepts, the packaging
could be omitted entirely and the coins of the specified total and/or mix
simply discharged to a repurposed currency retrieval area R1-R4 for the
user's removal. By way of example, this could be a suitable option if the
number of coins to be returned to the user does not require packaging
(e.g., a small number of coins, such as 20 quarters or 50 dimes, could be
removed by hand and transferred to a pocket).

[0138] The self-service machine 510 is configurable to require advance
payment for coin packaging, whereupon the requestor pays in advance when
placing the coin packaging order (or other packaging order specific to
the self-service machine capabilities such as, but not limited to, coins
and bills, coins and value cards, bills and cards, etcetera). The
requester is then provided with a security code to enter into the
self-service machine 510 to access the repurposed currency retrieval area
in which the coin package is held. In other aspects, a requester may be
optionally permitted to fill an order for coins (or other currency
package) and, following identification of the package to the self-service
machine 510, at a later time, input payment to the self-service machine
510. In still other aspects, a requester may be optionally permitted to
fill an order for coins (or other currency package) that is picked up by
an authorized employee of the business in which the self-service machine
510 is disposed and held for pickup by the requestor and payment by the
requestor.

[0139] In at least some aspects of the present concepts, the self-service
machine 510 comprises a currency dispensing module (not shown) configured
to dispense, from a currency dispenser (e.g., a cassette dispenser or
multi-cassette dispenser such as, but not limited to, Fujitsu F53, F56,
F400, or F510e multi-cassette media dispensers), one or more currency
bills of one or more denominations. The dispensed currency may be
selectively directly to a user singly or as a stack of currency bills, as
a conventional ATM, or may optionally be output to a currency repurposer,
functioning similarly to the coin repurposer, for packaging or, as yet
another alternative, output to the coin repurposer for packaging with a
coin order.

[0140] In at least some aspects of the present concepts, the plurality of
self-service machines 510a-510n (not shown) are linked to a host system
(e.g., remote compute 555) that communicates with each self-service
machine 510a-10n and tracks the transactions occurring therein. The
self-service machines 510a-510n are advantageously configured to send
signals to the host system to communicate system information, such as,
but not limited to, signals indicating that one or more coin receptacles
B1-B4 are full or past a predetermined limit, one or more repurposed
currency retrieval areas R1-R4 have currency packages ready for pickup,
or a fault condition (e.g., a coin jam, actuator malfunction, dispenser
error, etc.) of the self-service machine 510.

[0141] If the self-service machine 510 is, for whatever reason, not able
to immediately fill a coin order (or any combination of currency and/or
value media), such as by one or more intermediary coin storage units
(e.g., I1-I4 in FIG. 8) having a coin quantity less than that requested,
the controller 520 can inform the requester that the package will not be
ready for immediate pickup. In such situations, the controller 520 can
inform the requester that the controller 520 will contact the requester
when the package is ready for pickup and/or with an estimate of when the
package will be ready for pickup, as desired. An estimated time of order
completion is calculated, for example, based on a processing history at
the self-service machine 510 in view of the requester's requirements and
current status of the one or more intermediary coin storage units (e.g.,
I1-I4 in FIG. 8).

[0142] Businesses may also elect to place standing orders for coin
packages, to be filled on a recurring basis, with pickups arranged at
either the self-service machine 510 or at a service counter of a business
in which the self-service machine is disposed. In fact, the business in
which the self-service machine 510 is disposed may itself elect to place
its own coin orders so that the coins brought into the business by the
public and processed in the business can be packaged and used by the
business in which the self-service machine is disposed to recirculate the
coins therein with less recourse to purchase of coins from armored car
services. Thus, the self-service machine 510 enables coin recirculation
both within the business and for other parties.

[0143] As previously noted, repurposing features of the self-service
machine 510 permit the business in which the self-service machine 510 is
disposed to not only avoid the cost of ordered coins on a routine basis
from an armored service, but also to provide an efficient and timely
means to obtain coin in a readily usable form.

[0144] In one aspect, the self-service machine 510 is communicatively
linked to the businesses' point-of-sale (POS) system or network such that
the POS system itself places orders with the self-service machine 510
when coins or needed, in advance of an anticipated need by a fixed or
selectable amount, or on a schedule (e.g., based on time-based historical
data). By way of example, the POS, either singly or in combination with
the self-service machine 510, or the self-service machine 510 independent
of the POS, could be set to predict an upcoming coin shortage and start
packaging coins in advance of the anticipated time of need (e.g., to fill
the cash register drawers).

[0145] Although the prior examples described situations in which the
self-service machine 510 is truly a self-service machine disposed in a
publicly accessible location, the self-service machine is semi-assisted
in another optional configuration. Thus, a self-service machine 510 can
be integrated into a businesses' self-service counter and an authorized
attendant is required to assist a customer with the processing and/or
retrieval operations. In one aspect of this configuration, the repurposed
currency retrieval areas are advantageously disposed to be rearwardly
facing, relative to the front of the self-service machine 510, to provide
access to such authorized attendant, but not to the public. In this
manner, only an authorized attendant is able to retrieve a deliverable
currency package (e.g., a deliverable coin package, a deliverable
currency bill package, or a combined deliverable coin and currency bill
package) and disperse such package responsive to appropriate controls
(e.g., scanning employee badge when providing a deliverable coin and/or
currency package to a cashier at a shift's start, requiring a requestor
to input an authorization code into the self-service machine 510 to open
a designated repurposed currency retrieval area for the authorized
attendant's access, etc.). By way of example, the large repurposed
currency retrieval area S1 in accessible region 535 in FIG. 8 or FIG. 10
is configurable to face rearwardly in such a semi-assisted configuration.

[0146] In some aspects of the present concepts, the self-service machine
510 is configured to only process a single denomination of coin (e.g.,
quarters) or configurable to process only a single denomination. For
example, where coins are already denominated, but need to be packaged and
repurposed, such single denomination can be input into the self-service
machine 510 and repurposed in a more convenient form defined by the user
(e.g., a business).

[0147] In yet other aspects of the present concepts, a self-service
machine 510 as described herein is advantageously utilizable not in a
public location for public access, but by businesses such as armored
carriers or Cash-In-Transit (CIT) businesses, which process currency
bills and coins and which physically transfer currency bills and coins
from one location to another. As incoming currency bills and coins (e.g.,
mixed coin bins, denominated coin, etc.) are input into the self-service
machine 510 for processing (e.g., counting and verification), the CIT is
able to input into the self-service machine an order for a specific
deliverable package that is required to be delivered to a particular
business, after which the self-service machine automatically produces and
delivers the deliverable package comprising coin(s) and/or bill(s).

[0148] FIG. 9 is a representation of a system for repurposing of coins
from self-service machines 10, in accord with at least some aspects of
the present concepts, which is to be contrasted with the flow of the
conventional practices and systems shown in FIG. 1. As with FIG. 1, an
armored car carrier 702, armored vehicle 703, and route 704 are
represented. However, instead of the armored vehicle 703 individually
servicing each of the plurality of different businesses #1-n (where n
represents any number) along the route, including those with one or more
self-service machines SSM #1-#m (where n represents any number) disposed
therein, FIG. 9 shows that Business #1 and Business #2 each utilize a
self-service machine 510 comprising one or more currency repurposing
modules (e.g., a coin repurposer 570 and/or a bill repurposer 830,
described below) in accord with the present concepts. As shown, reference
numeral 706a denotes an area where Businesses #1-#4 are in the proximity
of one another and reference numeral 706b denotes an area where
Businesses #5-#8 are in the proximity of one another. In FIG. 9, the
armored car 703 route includes dropping off currency (e.g., wrapped or
packaged coins and/or bills) and picking up currency (e.g., mixed coins)
according to the requirements of Business #1, Business #5 and Business #9
(not shown)--Business #n (having SSM #m, where m is any integer), before
returning to the armored service carrier 702.

[0149] Instead of being serviced by the armored service carrier,
Businesses #2-#4 elect to pick up packaged coins and/or currency from
SSM#1 at Business #1 and Businesses #6-#8 elect to pick up packaged coins
and/or currency from SSM#2 at Business #5. To illustrate, a Jewel-Osco
grocery store is Business #1, a SUBWAY.RTM. restaurant is Business #2, a
pizza restaurant is Business #3, and a dry cleaner is Business #4, all of
these businesses being located within a strip mall or the like. The
SUBWAY.RTM. restaurant can place an order for coins and/or currency bills
through the self-service machine 510 disposed in the Jewel-Osco and can
pick up the deliverable repurposed currency package at the self-service
machine. Thus, rather than ordered coins and/or currency from armored
service carriers, Businesses #2-#4 can rely instead on a local currency
provider, Business #1, for currency processing needs. Likewise, a similar
dynamic may occur as between Business #5 and Businesses #6-#8. Of course,
as noted above, non-commercial requestors of repurposed currency are
represented in FIG. 10 by Users #1-#6.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 10, the self-service machine 510 may optionally
include a currency bill input region 800, a currency bill processing
module 810, a bill transport system or systems 820, a currency bill
repurposing module 830 ("bill repurposer"), a bill repurposer bill
transport 840, and a currency bill storage 850. FIG. 10 shows that the
coin receptacles B1-B4 and the currency bill storage 850 are disposed
within a secured area 585 (represented by a dashed line) accessible by
authorized personnel, such as an armored carrier service. Although not
shown in FIG. 10, the self-service machine 510 bill transport system or
systems 820 may further distribute all of or a portion of the processed
currency bills to one or more intermediate currency bill holding areas,
preferably but not necessarily denomination specific (i.e., each
intermediate currency bill holding area holding a single denomination)
with the balance of the currency bills processed being deposited in one
or more currency bill receptacles 850. The intermediate currency bill
holding area(s) are disposed upstream of the currency bill repurposing
module 830 so that the controller 520 has ready access to reserve
currency bills to draw upon responsive to a request for a currency
package. As shown in FIG. 10, the currency bill receptacle(s) 850 are
disposed within the secured area 585 (represented by a dashed line)
accessible by authorized personnel, such as an armored carrier service.

[0151] The currency bill input region or input device 800 is configured to
accept currency bills either singularly, one-at-a-time, or in bulk (e.g.,
mixed denomination in a stack, single denomination in a stack, etc.) and
pass them to the currency bill processing module 810. Exemplary
references disclosing currency bill processing (e.g., discrimination and/
or authentication) include, but are not limited to, U.S. Pat. No.
3,280,974 (magnetic flux), U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,629 (patterns of grid
lines), U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,607 (security thread), U.S. Pat. No.
4,617,458 (magnetizable material), U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,184 (magnetic
fields), U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,473 (denomination scans); U.S. Pat. No.
4,381,447 (density), U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,846 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,860
(color), U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,651 (length and thickness), U.S. Pat. No.
4,179,685 (reflectance and transmission); U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,754
(watermark, security thread); U.S. Pat. No. 3,764,899 (thickness), U.S.
Pat. No. 3,815,021 (dielectric properties), U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,704,491,
5,790,693, 5,960,103, 6,351,551, 6,724,927, 6,778,693, and 7,016,767,
7,149,336, 7,191,657, 7,197,173, 7,200,255, and 7,201,320, each of which
is assigned to the present assignee and each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other features and
characteristics of the currency media (e.g., currency bill, etc.) may
also be used, without limitation, to perform a discrimination function
appropriate to such media.

[0152] As noted above, currency bills input into the self-service machine
510 that are designated to be repurposed are packaged (e.g., bound,
shrink wrapped, wrapped, tied, strapped, etc.) and transported by the
repurposed currency bill transport 840 to a designated repurposed
currency retrieval area (e.g., R1-R4). Optionally, if the repurposed
currency bills are to be packaged together with repurposed coins, the
repurposed currency bills may be transferred by the repurposed currency
bill transport 840 to the coin repurposer 570 for combination (as
represented by dashed line) or, alternatively, both the repurposed coins
and the repurposed currency can be output from the respective coin
processing module and currency processing module (or any optional
intermediate coin and/or currency storage area(s), directly to a
repurposer configured to process the combination of coin and/or currency.

[0153] In accord with at least some of the aspects of the present concepts
disclosed herein both infra and supra, the currency processing device
disclosed in U.S. Published Patent Application US 2012/0156976 A1, filed
on Dec. 16, 2011, and entitled "Coin Processing Systems, Methods And
Devices" and referred to hereinafter as the Money Machine 2 ("MM2") is
advantageously utilized in combination with one or more the concepts
presented herein (e.g., the self-service machine 510 of FIGS. 6 and 9-11
may comprise an MM2) and is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. For example, the MM2 coin processing device is utilizable in
accord with the present concepts to form a deliverable coin package of a
specified quantity of and denomination(s) of coins using the coin
repurposer 570 and to output the deliverable coin package (e.g., a sealed
plastic bag of the requested coins) to a repurposed currency retrieval
area (e.g., R1) for retrieval by an employee of the business, a user
submitting the coin order, or an agent thereof, as appropriate.

[0154] In at least one aspect of the present concepts, further to the
aforementioned coin repurposer 570, the self-service machine 510
comprises one or more secure, removable coin cassettes. An example is
shown in FIG. 11, wherein five secure coin cassettes 900, identified by
reference numeral SC1-SC5, are disposed to receive coins output from
respective ones of the intermediate coin holding areas I1-I4 (e.g., via
actuators disposed in or downstream of the intermediate coin holding
areas I1-I4), output by one or more actuators 550 disposed downstream of
the coin processing module 500, and/or output from the coin processing
module 500 via an output path 911.

[0155] The size of the secure coin cassettes 900 (e.g., SC1-SC5 in FIGS.
11-12) may vary. By way of example, the secure coin cassettes 900 may
have an internal volume dimensioned to hold 1/8 of a full federal bag
limit for each denomination of coin, or as much as 1/2 or 3/4 of a full
federal bag limit for each denomination, or even a of a full federal bag
limit for each denomination. Likewise, in foreign countries, generally
equivalent dimensions may be utilized for corresponding fractions of
standard coin bags (e.g., a fraction of a coin bag from the Deutsche
Bundesbank, etc.). To facilitate portability of the secure coin cassettes
900, it is presently preferred that the secure coin cassettes 900 have an
internal volume dimensioned to hold between about 1/8 to 1/4 of a full
federal bag limit. Secure coin cassettes 900 of varying sizes may be used
in a single machine. For example, a self-service machine 510 may comprise
a plurality of secure coin cassettes 900 that are 1/8 of a full federal
bag limit and a plurality of secure coin cassettes 900 that are 1/4 of a
full federal bag limit. As another example, a self-service machine 510
may comprise a plurality of secure coin cassettes 900 that are 1/2 of a
full federal bag limit and a plurality of secure coin cassettes 900 that
are 1/4 of a full federal bag limit. As another example, a secure coin
cassette 900 can be configured to hold a certain number of coins (e.g.,
2500 coins of a particular denomination) or range of coins.

[0156] In accord with any of the aspects of the secure coin cassettes 900
disclosed herein, the secure coin cassettes may be locked in a metal
cage, a metal case, a room, a safe or a metal locker when not required or
when a machine is not available to receive the secure coin cassettes.

[0157] When a secure coin cassette 900 reaches its limit, or reaches a
pre-defined fill level, additional coins of the denomination processed by
the coin processing module 500 (overflow) are routed to a coin storage
bin 902, coin bag (not shown), or mixed-coin coin cassette 900. For
example, where a secure coin cassette 900 has a limit of 2500 coins, for
example, the 2,501.sup.st coin and subsequent coins of that denomination
are discharged to coin storage bin 902.

[0158] In at least some aspects of the present concepts, each secure coin
cassette 900 comprises a single denomination. In other aspects of the
present concepts, one or more secure coin cassettes 900 can be
advantageously used to store a plurality of coin denominations (e.g., a
predetermined mix of coins, a cash till mix, a random mix, overflow
coins, etc.) suitable for a particular business. By way of example, the
secure coin cassettes 900 can be used as a deliverable coin package
transportable between businesses. Businesses utilizing secure coin
cassette 900 as deliverable coin packages can, for example, return
"empties" back to the business from which it was obtained and exchange
the "empties" for "full" secure coin cassettes 900.

[0159] In some aspects, the housing of the secure coin cassettes 900 is
metal (e.g., 3003-H14 aluminum, 5052-H32 aluminum, 6061-T6 aluminum,
Grade 304 stainless steel, etc.), plastic (e.g., thermoplastics, DuPont
Delrin.RTM., DuPont Zytel.RTM. HTN resins, Polyphthalamides, glass-fiber
reinforced polymers, etc.), and/or composite of a suitable thickness or
gauge (e.g., 8-11 gauge steel or aluminum, etc.) appropriate to the
material to both maintain dimensional stability over time (e.g., little
to deformation of the housing dimensions over an operational lifetime of
the secure coin cassette, etc.) and to discourage and/or hinder access to
an interior volume of the secure coin cassette through the housing.

[0160] The secure coin cassettes 900 are removably disposed within a
secured area 905 of the self-service machine 510, such as within a
docking station or docking port (not shown) having electrical connectors
(e.g., power connector, USB connector, etc.) configured to matingly
engage with electrical connectors on the secure coin cassettes (e.g., to
enable the secure coin cassettes to be externally powered, such as to
charge a rechargeable battery borne thereby, and/or to facilitate data
connection between a controller 895 of the secure coin cassette and a
controller of the machine to which the secure coin cassette is docked)
and/or having physical connectors (e.g., docking posts, guide members,
etc.) configured to physically guide and/or securely retain the secure
coin cassettes in an operable position. In at least some aspects, the
electrical connectors are configured so as not to require any plugging in
or unplugging of cables to the secure coin cassette 900, so as to
minimize difficulty of insertion or removal of the secure coin cassette.

[0161] In at least some aspects, the docking station or docking port
(e.g., 916) is adapted to provide a "plug-and-play" type functionality
wherein the device to which a secure coin cassette 900 is attached (e.g.,
a self-service machine 510) automatically recognizes and interacts with
one or more secure coin cassettes. In at least some aspects of the
present concepts, one or more docking stations or docking ports (e.g.,
916) are configured to accept a plurality of secure coin cassette of the
same coin type (e.g., multiple secure coin cassette of a single
denomination, multiple mixed-denomination secure coin cassettes, etc.).
The docking station/ports (e.g., 916) may discharge coins passed by the
attached secure coin cassette 900 to one or more destinations. In various
aspects, the output destination of the docking port 916 is a coin
repurposer 570 (FIG. 17), coin processor 950 (FIG. 14), coin till 904
(e.g., FIG. 12, FIG. 16), or even directly to the coin storage bin 902
(e.g., bypassing additional processing).

[0162] An authorized person (e.g., an employee of a business in which the
self-service machine 510 is disposed) is able to access one or more of
the secure coin cassettes 900 and remove them from the self-service
machine 510, such as is represented in FIG. 13, where secure coin
cassette "SC1" 900 is removed from a first position P1 (e.g., an operable
position) in the self-service machine, following accessing of the secure
coin cassette "SC1" through the access panel or door 912, and is moved to
a position P1' outside of the self-service machine, as represented by the
arrow. The self-service machine 510 optionally includes one or more
locking doors or access panels configured to control access to one or
more of the secure coin cassette 900. For example, in one embodiment, a
single locking door is provided in the front or back of the self-service
machine 510 and all secure coin cassette 900 in the accessible area 905
are accessible via the door 912. Where the self-service machine 510 is
disposed with a front portion accessible to the public and a rear portion
accessible only to a business secured area, the door need not necessarily
be locked or lockable. In another embodiment, a plurality of locking
doors are provided, in the front or back of the self-service machine 510,
and one or more secure coin cassettes 900 in the accessible area 905 are
accessible via the plurality of locking doors 912.

[0163] In at least some aspects of the present concepts, the secure coin
cassettes 900 are only unlocked when disposed in an operable position
within the self-service machine 510 or within another device in which the
secure coin cassettes 900 are used to either receive and/or dispense
coins. When removed from such machine or device, the secure coin
cassettes 900 advantageously lock automatically. For example, the secure
coin cassettes 900 are automatically locked (e.g., via latch(es),
actuator(s), etc.) as they are removed from the self-service machine or
device or in association with such removal (e.g., prior to removal).
Likewise, the secure coin cassettes 900 are automatically unlocked as
they are inserted into the self-service machine or in association with
the insertion into the self-service machine (e.g., during an operability
self-check, a self-service machine actuator or a coin cassette actuator
unlocks the secure coin cassette before it is permitted to be placed into
operation).

[0164] When the secure coin cassettes 900 are removed from a self-service
machine 510, such as is shown in FIG. 15, the secure coin cassette (e.g.,
SC1) must be maintained in a secure state during transportation, whether
to a local device or location (e.g., a local separate coin repurposing
station 915 as represented in FIG. 14) or a remote location. The security
features utilized and/or enabled in association with the movement of the
secure coin cassettes 900 may depend on (or be selected by) the business
utilizing the secure coin cassette. For example, in an environment that
is itself secure, such as behind the teller windows that separate the
bank tellers from the public (e.g., wherein a front of the self-service
machine 510 is positioned in a wall for public use and the back of the
self-service machine opens to a controller area accessible only by bank
employees, etc.), a business may not feel it necessary to automatically
lock the coin input opening 880 and coin discharge opening 881 of the
secure coin cassettes 900 in view of the ordinary security protocols
(e.g., restricted access, video cameras, requirement of entry of employee
codes to access interior of self-service machine 510, electronic
monitoring of the contents of each secure coin cassette 900 by one of, or
both of, the self-service machine controller 520 and secure coin cassette
controller 895, etc.).

[0165] However, in an environment that is not secure (e.g., a self-service
machine 510 disposed in a public area of a grocery store), the secure
coin cassettes 900 are advantageously configured to automatically lock or
otherwise secure the coin input opening 880 on the top portion of the
secure coin cassette 900 and the coin discharge opening 881 at the bottom
portion of the secure coin cassette to maintain the security of the
contents of the secure coin cassette during movement. By way of example,
the members used to occlude the openings 880, 881 are automatically
locked in place by the secure coin cassette 900 controller 895 or the
self-service machine 510 controller 520 (or other controller of another
machine or device to which the secure coin cassette is operably
associated) prior to or concurrent with removal of the secure coin
cassette from the docking station in which or on which it is removably
attached.

[0166] Accordingly, to simplify insertion and removal of the secure coin
cassette 900 from machines or devices to which they are attached, the
openings 880, 881 are optionally configured to automatically close prior
to removal from a device in which or on which the secure coin cassette
900 is removably installed and, conversely, to automatically open
following installation in or on a device in which the secure coin
cassette 900 is placed in service. To accomplish the automatic locking of
the openings 880, 881, one or more linear actuator(s), rotary actuator(s)
and/or spring element(s) are disposed in the secure coin cassette 900
together with corresponding actuatable member s provided to fully occlude
the openings 880, 881. In actuator-based embodiments, when the controller
520 of the self-service machine 510 registers the insertion of the secure
coin cassette 900, controller 895 instructs the actuators to move the
actuatable members from the openings 880, 881 to thereby place the secure
coin cassette in condition for operation. Following movement of the
actuatable members to the open or operable condition, the controller 895
registers such status and communicates the operability of the secure coin
cassette to the controller 520 of the self-service machine. In another
example, the docking ports of the self-service machine 510 are themselves
configured with latches or members that interact with correspondingly
configured latches or members in the secure coin cassette to cause
retraction or movement of members occluding the openings 880, 881. For
example, responsive to a force of pushing the secure coin cassette into
an operable position in a docking station, latches in the docking station
engage and move sliding plates, normally biased closed, in a direction
opposite to the biasing force to thereby open the openings 880, 881. As
the secure coin cassette is withdrawn from the operable position in the
docking station, the latches no longer engage and hold the sliding plates
and the sliding plates then automatically close under their normal bias
to thereby close the openings 880, 881. Using mechanical and/or
electromechanical measures such as these, the employees handling the
secure coin cassettes 900 are required to take minimal steps to effect a
transfer to the secure coin cassettes 900 from one location to another
location.

[0167] In yet another aspect, the opening 881 at a bottom portion of the
secure coin cassette 900 comprises a coin dispensing device 883 (see FIG.
13) configured to dispense a predetermined number of coins responsive to
an instruction from the controller 895. The outlet of the coin dispensing
device, while permitting discharge of the coins on an interior volume of
the secure coin cassette, itself provides a barrier preventing access to
the interior of the secure coin cassette. In at least one aspect, the
coin dispensing device comprises a conventional rotating disk, inclined
at a predetermined angle, comprising recesses accommodating individual
coins wherein rotation of the rotating disk causes coins to occupy the
recesses and discharge of the coins to the coin outlet at a predetermined
rotational position of the rotating disk. An optional one-way door or
gate (not shown) is disposed at the outlet of the coin dispensing device.
In other aspects, any conventional coin dispenser could be integrated
with a secure coin cassette.

[0168] In yet other aspects of the present concepts, it is desired that
the secure coin cassettes 900 are universal and are adapted to accept any
denomination of coin. In at least some aspects of a universal secure coin
cassette 900, the secure coin cassette does not include a coin dispensing
device disposed internally thereto and, instead, coin dispensing devices
are optionally provided on or in other devices to which the secure coin
cassettes 900 are attached. Such coin dispensing devices receive, as an
input, coins discharged (e.g., gravity flow) from the bottom opening 881
of the secure coin cassette 900, and singulate and discharge the coins
one-at-a-time. In such aspects, any available empty secure coin cassette
900 can be inserted to any available docketing port in a self-service
machine 510 to receive coins of any single denomination. As previously
described, the secure coin cassette controller 895 advantageously
communicates with a controller of the system to which the empty secure
coin cassette 900 is attached (e.g., controller 520 of self-service
machine 510) and data relating to a position of the secure coin cassette
(e.g., denomination, etc.) is transmitted to the secure coin cassette
memory 890. Following placement in-service, data for every coin output to
the secure coin cassette 900 is transmitted at least to the secure coin
cassette memory 890.

[0169] In another aspect of a universal secure coin cassette 900, the
secure coin cassette comprises an universal upper portion and a
detachable lower portion, the universal upper portion comprising a
standard or coin input region adapted to accommodate any input coins of
any denomination and defining an interior coin receptacle geometry
suitable for retention of coins of any denomination. The detachable lower
portion comprises an internally disposed coin dispensing device adapted
to discharge, from the interior volume defined by the universal upper
portion and/or detachable lower portion, coins of a specific
denomination. The universal upper portion and detachable lower portion
are thus able to be matched to a particular application and particular
denomination as needed. The connection between the universal upper
portion and the detachable lower portion may comprise any mechanical
connector(s) including, but not limited to, latches, locks, mating
connectors, or sliding connectors.

[0170] In some aspects of the present concepts, the secure coin cassettes
900 are optionally expandable or of variable size so that the same
cassette may be used in different machines and/or different applications.
As one example, each wall (the term "wall" being inclusive of top and
bottom walls forming the "ceiling" and the "floor" of the secure coin
cassette) are formed with wide flanges or side members that overlap
corresponding side members of adjacent panels forming the adjacent walls.
The overlaps permit variability in positioning of the walls relative to
one another and conventional means of securing stable connection
therebetween (e.g., special locking screws with proprietary heads, etc.)
are able to lock the walls of the secure coin cassette in a contracted
position, fully expanded position, or a position therebetween. In another
configuration, a secure coin cassette 900 comprises two parts, each part
having three side walls, a bottom wall (floor), and a top wall (ceiling),
wherein one of the two parts is slightly smaller in dimension in the
lateral and height dimensions so as to be positionable inside of the
other of the two parts and to telescope inwardly and outwardly therefrom
in sliding engagement. One or more latches, locks, or fixing members
(e.g., screws or fasteners) are provided on one or both of the parts to
maintain a set spatial relationship between the two parts (e.g., a
plurality of locks, one for each set of walls). Thus, the depth-wise
dimension can be changed, as needed (e.g., to permit a greater coin
capacity, to accommodate a smaller machine, etc.), by movement of the
first part relative to the second part and fixing or locking the parts
together in the desired configuration. As another example, a secure coin
cassette 900 may have an accordion-style wall configuration. As yet
another example, the top and bottom walls of the secure coin cassettes
900 may be exchangeable so that different tops and bottom walls may be
mated with preexisting lateral walls from another container so that a
secure coin cassette of a first set of lateral dimensions (e.g., width,
depth) may be readily converted to a secure coin cassette having one or
more different lateral dimensions.

[0171] Optionally, an on-board battery of the secure coin cassette 900 can
be used to power an LED display or individual LEDs to provide a visual
indication of a denomination of coin retained within the secure coin
cassette, which is communicated to the secure coin cassette controller
895, for example, the controller 520 of self-service machine 510. For
example, a front or forward surface of the secure coin cassette includes
a first green LED by a label of $0.01, a second green LED by a label of
$0.05, a third green LED by a label of $0.10, a fourth green LED by a
label of $0.25, and so on, with a light illuminating the relevant
denomination. Of course, any color of LED could be utilized without
limitation. Such LEDs could optionally only be illuminated from the time
at which the secure coin cassette is taken out-of-service to the time at
which the secure coin cassette is placed back in-service on another
machine. In yet other aspects, a label pouch may be provided to accept an
informational label printed by the machine from which the secure coin
cassette is removed (e.g., controller 520 of self-service machine 510) or
to accept an externally-generated label.

[0172] In at least some aspects of the present concepts, the secure coin
cassettes 900 are color-coded for visibility and/or to conform to Federal
Reserve/American Banking Association ("ABA") Standards for coin
denominations (e.g., blue for nickels, green for dimes, red for pennies,
orange for quarters, etc.). In yet other aspects, instead of the entire
cassette 900 or portion thereof having color-coding, a universal secure
coin cassette 900, such as that noted above, may have an array of LED
lights (e.g., an array of single lights or an array of clusters of lights
for enhanced visibility) of different colors corresponding to the
color-coded conforming to Federal Reserve/ABA Standards for coin
denominations (e.g., blue LEDs are illuminated when a secure coin
cassette 900 contains nickels, green LEDs are illuminated when the secure
coin cassette contains dimes, etc.).

[0173] Tamper evident features may optionally be incorporated into the
secure coin cassettes 900 and/or the devices which fill them with coins
(e.g., self-service machine 510). As described herein, some tamper
evident features are electronic in nature and generally rely upon
tracking or other analysis of data (e.g., known coin counts, access by
known personnel, etc.) relating to the handling of the secure coin
cassettes 900. In other aspects, the tamper evident features are physical
in nature. By way of example, the device that fills the secure coin
cassette 900 with coins comprises one or more devices configured to
apply, to a secure coin cassette that is to be removed therefrom, a
variable length plastic seal (e.g., "pull tight seal"), a fixed length
seal (the ends of which are clicked into place to lock), a metal seal
(e.g., a wire U-ring used in combination with a polyester label affixed
to ends of the metal seal), and/or labels affixed to the members closing
the openings 880, 881 (e.g., polyester or vinyl labels, holographic
labels, Tamperco Label Lock.TM. Non-residue tamper proof label, etc.). To
facilitate application of an optional tamper evident seal, members used
to occlude the openings 880, 881 may comprise features (e.g., rings,
bars, etc.) and the housing may comprise features (e.g., rings, bars,
etc.) adjacently situated relative to the features of such members so
that, in combination, the features facilitate the application of a tamper
evident seal (e.g., a plastic seal may be inserted through the features
and then the ends of the plastic seal are bonded together.

[0174] Alternatively, one or more secure coin cassettes 900 are optionally
denomination-specific so as to permit optimization of each secure coin
cassette to a particular denomination.

[0175] In accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts, one
or, or both of, the secure coin cassette(s) 900 and/or docking station(s)
(e.g., 916; FIG. 14) to which the secure coin cassettes are operatively
associated comprise a locking mechanism to cause the secure coin
cassettes to be locked to the docking stations until such time as an
authorized personnel is authorized to unlock and remove the secure coin
cassettes. By way of example, the docking station 916 for the secure coin
cassette 900 may comprise one or more locking members that engage
portions of the secure coin cassette housing and lock to thereby prevent
unauthorized removal of the secure coin cassette from the machine (e.g.,
self-service machine 510) to which the secure coin cassette is attached.

[0176] Optionally, it is further advantageous to render the locked or
secured openings tamper evident. According to at least some embodiments,
the secure coin cassette 900 controller 895 monitors a position of the
members occluding (and optionally locking) the openings 880, 881 (and any
other occluded openings). If a position of any of such members occluding
the openings is changed while the secure coin cassette is in transport
from a first location to a second location, the controller 895 logs the
deviation. In some aspects, if the deviation exceeds a threshold minimum
level, the controller 895 transmits an alert to one or more other
devices, addresses or parties using the communication device 885. As
another alternative, or in addition to the previously described aspect,
the controller 895 advantageously times the transit from the first
location to the second location and the controller 895 is configured to
transmits a status update or an alert to one or more other devices,
addresses or parties using the communication device 885 if a transit time
exceeds a predetermined minimum threshold (which could constitute an
indication of an attempt to tamper with the secure coin cassette or
possibly of an unattended secure coin cassette). By way of example, if
employees of a grocery store routinely move a secure coin cassette 900
from a self-service machine 510 in a front portion of a grocery store to
a service desk room in which a coin repurposing machine (e.g., 915; FIG.
15) is located, and such transport and docking with the coin repurposing
machine ordinarily lasts 3 minutes, with a standard deviation of 1
minute, an alert may be issued by the controller 895 once 5 minutes has
lapsed from the removal of the secure coin cassette from the self-service
machine 510 without a docking of the secure coin cassette with the coin
repurposing machine. In at least some aspects, prior to removal of the
secure coin cassette 900, an authorized person removing a secure coin
cassette is required to input to the device from which the secure coin
cassette is removed (e.g., coin repurposing machine 915 in FIG. 15) the
location to which the secure coin cassette is to be moved (e.g.,
self-service machine 510) and such information is used to set a timer
appropriate for such transfer.

[0177] The secure coin cassette 900 may, in lieu of or in additional to
communication of status and/or alerts using the communication device 885
as noted above, use controller 895 to communicate data (e.g., status,
alerts, etc.) to a system to which the secure coin cassette is
operatively associated (e.g., coin repurposing machine 915 in FIG. 15).

[0178] FIG. 14 illustrates an example where the secure coin cassette 900,
denoted as SC1, comprises an optional RFID 886 (active or passive) that
uniquely identifies the secure coin cassette. Separate and apart from, or
optionally used in conjunction with, any tracking that may be effected
utilizing an optional onboard controller 895 and optional communication
device 885 (e.g., GPS, trilateralization, etc.), RFID 886 transmits a
unique ID to a local and/or remote tracking system, such as by reading
RFID information using a reader 887. The reader 887 may comprise a mobile
(e.g., handheld) RFID reader (e.g., Motorola MC9190-Z Handheld RFID
Reader) and/or using one or more fixed area RFID readers (e.g., Motorola
FX9500 fixed reader). Fixed RFID readers (e.g., Receiver 887 in FIGS. 14,
16) may be used to identify a location of a secure coin cassette 900
within a known space (e.g., a grocery store, a bank, etc.) at a specific
time and/or over a range of time. Although the reader 887 is depicted as
being disposed remotely from the self-service machine 510 and coin
repurposing machine 915 in FIG. 14, one or more readers 887 may be
optionally disposed in such machines or in any other machine or device to
which a secure coin cassette 900 is to be removably attached so as to
identify the secure coin cassette to the system controller (e.g.,
controller 520 in self-service machine 510).

[0179] FIG. 14 shows the secure coin cassette 900 ("SC1") in dashed lines
in an initial position in the self-service machine 510. FIG. 14 further
represents removal of the secure coin cassette 900 ("SC1") from the
self-service machine 510 and movement of the secure coin cassette by the
arrow Al and the use of dashed lines. Upon removal and/or during this
movement, intermittently or continuously, the secure coin cassette 900
transmits its location and/or other data via one or more signals 888a to
reader 887, the signals 888a originating from the RFID 886 and/or the
communication device 885. Signals 888a are represented by dashed lines to
indicate the transitory movement of the secure coin cassette 900. The
movement of the secure coin cassette 900 represented in FIG. 14 may be to
a local site (e.g., within the same room or same building) or a remote
site (e.g., to a different building, a different part of a town, a
different business, etc.). FIG. 14 further shows that, following the
movement of the secure coin cassette 900, it is then attached, as
indicated by arrow A2, to a coin repurposing machine 915. In association
with the attachment of the secure coin cassette 900 to the coin
repurposing machine 915, the secure coin cassette 900 transmits its
location, status and/or other data via one or more signals 888b to reader
887, the signals 888a originating from the RFID 886 and/or the
communication device 885 and/or the coin repurposing machine 915. The
signals 888a, 888b transmitted to the receiver 887 are routed, via
wireless or hardwired communication pathways, to external systems (not
shown). In at least some aspects, the external systems synchronize the
location of the secure coin cassette 900 at a specific point in time with
one or more cameras linked to the external system to capture one or more
images of the movement of the secure coin cassette 900 from such
camera(s).

[0180] In FIG. 14, a side-view of the coin repurposing machine 915 is
shown to comprise, as previously noted, a coin repurposer 570 configured
to repurpose coins and output packages of coins to a variety of small to
medium-sized repurposed currency retrieval areas R1-R4 or to a large
repurposed currency retrieval area 51. A front view of the coin
repurposing machine 915 of FIG. 14 is shown in FIG. 17, where the coin
repurposer 570 is shown to repurpose coins and output packages of coins
to a variety of small to medium-sized repurposed currency retrieval areas
R1-R8 or to a large repurposed currency retrieval area 51. In both FIGS.
14 and 17, the secure coin cassettes 900 are attached to docking stations
916, which lock the secure coin cassettes 900 in place on the coin
repurposing machine 915 and which guide the coins into the coin
repurposing machine 915. Dashed arrow 917 in FIG. 14 represents the flow
of coins from the secure coin cassette 900 through the docking station
916 and to the coin repurposer 570. FIG. 17 shows the coin repurposer 570
in communication with external systems, which may be used to control the
operation of the coin repurposing machine 915, attached secure coin
cassettes 900 and/or coin repurposer 570. Of course, operation of the
coin repurposing machine 915 may be performed directly at the coin
repurposing machine 915 via operator input using associated buttons
and/or an associated GUI (e.g., touch screen), voice commands, or other
input device.

[0181] FIG. 14 also shows a representation of movement of the secure coin
cassette 900 SC1, via arrow A3, to a coin repurposing machine 915
comprising its own coin processing device 950 (see also, e.g., FIG. 25).
In association with the attachment of the secure coin cassette 900 SC1 to
the docking port 916 of the coin processing device 950, the secure coin
cassette 900 transmits its location, status and/or other data via one or
more signals (not shown) to reader 887, the signals 888a originating from
the RFID 886 and/or the communication device 885 and/or the coin
repurposing machine 915. The signals 888a, 888b transmitted to the
receiver 887 are routed, via wireless or hardwired communication
pathways, to external systems (not shown). This aspect of the coin
repurposing machine 915 comprises, for illustration, a coin repurposer
570 configured to repurpose coins and output packages of coins to a
variety of small to medium-sized repurposed currency retrieval areas
R1-R2 or to a large repurposed currency retrieval area S1.

[0182] In relation to locking of the secure coin cassettes 900 during or
in preparation for transport, in at least some aspects of the present
concepts, one or more discrete locking points are provided that are
separately actuatable so that openings or access points may be
selectively locked. For example, in some configurations, such as
deployment of one or more full secure coin cassettes 900 on a coin
packaging machine (see, e.g., dedicated coin packaging machine 915 in
FIG. 14), the coin packaging machine 915 (and/or the secure coin
cassettes 900 following identification of the machine to which it is
attached) is configured to lock the input of the secure coin cassettes
900, but not the output thereof. Likewise, in some configurations, the
self-service machine 510 (and/or the secure coin cassettes 900 following
identification of the machine to which it is attached) is configured to
lock the output of the secure coin cassettes 900, but not the input
thereof. Additional discrete locking points may include, for example,
data ports or communication ports.

[0183] A secure coin cassette is a cassette that may be locked and, once
locked, the coins and/or currency bills and other documents therein are
secure and access to and/or the ability to remove and/or insert coins
and/or currency bills and other documents into the cassette is prevented
or inhibited (e.g., the container may need to be destroyed and/or damaged
to overcome the container lock). According to at least some embodiments,
secure coin cassettes are physically lockable and/or lockable on command,
such as by an operator, handler, self-service machine 510 controller 520
(e.g., secure coin cassettes 900 may be configured to lock automatically
upon the removal of a secure coin cassettes from a docking station or
docking port within the self-service machine 510), and/or secure coin
cassette 900 resident controller and actuator(s). Once locked, only
authorized personnel (e.g., personnel utilizing a password, key, code,
device, or the like) are able to unlock the secure coin cassettes 900 and
such ability to unlock the secure coin cassettes 900 may further be
conditionally limited (e.g., only certain discrete locking points may be
unlocked and only when the secure coin cassette 900 is in a particular
operational condition or inoperable condition, etc.).

[0184] In accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts, a
secure coin cassette is configured to log data relating to the secure
coin cassette on a resident memory device (see, e.g., MD1 in FIG. 13),
such data including, but not limited to, records of access (e.g.,
attempts at access, actual access, time and date of access or attempted
access, identification code or identifying information on person
accessing or attempting access of secure coin cassette, coins received by
the secure coin cassette, and/or status of secure coin cassette (e.g.,
properly docked and operable, full, partially full, error codes, etc.),
in any combination. The information stored by the optional secure smart
secure cassette memory device MD1 is accessible by an authorized external
device or, in additional or alternatively, by a resident controller and
communication device (e.g., COM1 in FIG. 13). The resident communication
device may be powered by a device to which the secure coin cassette is
operatively associated (e.g., a self-service machine 510, etc.) and/or by
a battery borne by the secure coin cassette (e.g., a rechargeable
lithium-ion battery). The secure coin cassette is thereby configured to
transmit the information borne by the memory device (e.g., MD1 in FIG.
13) to another device (e.g., PDA, tablet, network, remote computer, etc.)
via an established wireless or hard-wired communication link.

[0185] Utilizing such on-board data-storage capability (e.g., MD1 in FIG.
13) and/or communication capability (e.g., COM1 in FIG. 13), the value
and the count of coins added to or extracted from each secure repurposing
coin cassette 900 can be tracked not only while disposed in an operable
condition at a machine (e.g., a self-service machine 510, etc.), but also
external thereto so as to allow tracking throughout a retail or banking
system (e.g., during exchange of coins from a first machine, such as
self-service machine 510, to a second machine, such as a dedicated coin
packaging machine).

[0186] Alternatively, or in addition to the aforementioned smart secure
cassettes bearing a resident memory device (e.g., MD1 in FIG. 13, which
may comprise an encrypted flash memory device) and/or controller and
communication device (e.g., COM1 in FIG. 13), in at least some
embodiments, the self-service machine 510 controller 520 (or controller
of another machine or device to which a secure coin cassette 900 is
operatively associated) itself separately records and/or transmits a log
of details about the status of individual secure coin cassettes 900 from
the moment of insertion of the secure coin cassettes into the
self-service machine (or other machine or device) until the removal of
the secure coin cassettes from the self-service machine (or other machine
or device), such log including data on all coins received by the secure
coin cassettes and all operator records (e.g., passwords or access codes
entered, times of such events, etc.) during such operational interval.

[0187] When the secure coin cassette 900 is operatively associated with a
self-service machine 510, communications from the self-service machine
controller 520 via I/O 540 and/or communication device 534 may include,
for example, transmitting (e.g., via a hardwired connection or a wireless
communication, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular connection, etc.) data
relating to the secure coin cassettes 900 to another device (e.g., PDA,
tablet, network, other computer device, etc.), generally denoted in FIGS.
11-12 as external systems. Data stored by the self-service machine 510
controller 520 relating to the coins output to a specific secure coin
cassette 900 is optionally transmitted to such external system(s) to
enable comparison of such data to corresponding data stored by the smart
secure cassette 900 resident memory devices (e.g., MD1 in FIG. 13) as a
check against tampering, theft, or of errors. The value and the count of
coins added to or extracted from each secure coin cassette can be tracked
at the machine operating or securely retaining the cassette at any time.

[0188] To illustrate of example of the present concepts, secure coin
cassettes 900 are utilized in combination with a self-service machine
510, such as the Cummins-Allison Corp. "Money Machine 2," and coins
processed thereby are used to fill the secure coin cassettes. Once
filled, or if needed to be removed prior to filling for any reason, the
secure coin cassettes 900 are able to be rapidly removed from the
self-service machine 510 by authorized personnel (e.g., a supervisor) and
moved to another location, such as a back room in the business (e.g., a
bank, a grocery store, etc.). Following removal of a secure coin cassette
900 (e.g., a "full" coin cassette), an empty secure coin cassette is
substituted therefor and the machine placed back in service. The removed
secure coin cassette(s) are then able to be stored or put into or onto
another device, such as is represented by way of example in FIG. 14. In
one aspect, a removed secure coin cassette is inserted into or onto a
coin storage device to hold the secure coin cassette in a secure location
until a later transfer of the secure coin cassette to another business or
entity. In another aspect, a "full" secure coin cassette is inserted into
or onto a cash till filling device configured to cause the attached
secure coin cassette to discharge of a predetermined or set number of
coins to enable the business to refill tills for employees secure coin
cassette and to provide other inventory of coin as required, such as is
represented by way of example in FIGS. 12 and 14.

[0189] In some embodiments, a machine such as, but not limited to, the
self-service machine 510 is configured to variously fill the secure coin
cassettes 900, but not discharge directly therefrom (see, e.g., FIG. 11),
such extraction being accomplished on a different machine.

[0190] In other embodiments, a machine such as, but not limited to, the
self-service machine 510 is configured to variously fill the secure coin
cassettes 900 and also discharge directly therefrom (see, e.g., FIG. 12),
such as to a cash till 904.

[0191] In still other embodiments, a machine such as, but not limited to,
the self-service machine 510 is configured to discharge coins from the
coin processing module 500 to the secure coin cassettes 900 without any
intermediary intermediate coin holding areas (e.g., I1-I5 shown in FIG.
12) or actuators, such as is shown by way of example in FIG. 15.

[0192] In yet another variant of the self-service machine 510, the coin
processing module 500 outputs coins to the secure coin cassettes 900 and
the secure coin cassettes 900 are in turn configured to dispense coins to
one or more intermediate coin holding areas (e.g., I1-I5 shown in FIG.
12). In this embodiment, the intermediate coin holding areas are
configured to dispense coins from coin dispensers to a cash till 904 or
other removable container or receptacle (e.g., cup, tube, sleeve, bag,
etc.). Thus, loose mixed coin can be input into the self-service machine,
where it is sorted into the secure coin cassettes 900. The full or
partially full secure coin cassettes 900 can, in turn, then be used to
refill cash tills or dispensed into coin tubes (e.g., pre-formed Federal
limit tubes, rolled coin tubes, POS coin tubes, small container cups,
etc.) to provide a comprehensive backroom self-service machine.

[0193] To further illustrate some of the above aspects of the present
concepts, a number of exemplary applications and configurations are
discussed below.

[0194] In the examples of FIG. 12 and FIG. 15, for example, once a secure
coin cassette 900 (e.g., SC1) and/or optional intermediate coin holding
area (e.g., I1), as appropriate, is full of coins of an appropriate
denomination, additional sorted coins of that denomination are then
output by the coin processing module (see, e.g., 500 in FIG. 12) of the
self-service machine 510 to a conventional coin bin 902 (e.g., mixed coin
bin) or coin bag (not shown). For example, a supervisor at a store may
require 500 quarters and can input an order for the quarters through a
display/GUI 512 at the self-service machine 510 or remotely through an
external system. In one or more subsequent coin processing transactions,
quarters processed by the coin processing module 500 would be output to a
designated one of the secure coin cassettes (e.g., SC1 in FIG. 15) until
the requested order has been fulfilled (e.g., 500 quarters). The next
coin of the requested denomination (e.g., the 501.sup.st quarter) and
beyond would then be output by the coin processing module 500 into the
mixed coin bin 902 or to another appropriate collection bag within the
self-service machine 510. If the supervisor were to require a quantity of
a denomination (e.g., quarters) in excess of a storage capacity of a
single secure coin cassette (e.g., SC1 in FIG. 15), coins of that
denomination would be output to a first secure coin cassette (e.g., SC1
in FIG. 15) until the capacity of the first secure coin cassette has been
met (e.g., 750 quarters, which is an arbitrarily-selected illustrative
amount), at which point successive coins of that denomination are output
to a second secure coin cassette (e.g., SC2 in FIG. 15) until the
requested order has been fulfilled (e.g., 1000 quarters). The next coin
of the requested denomination (e.g., the 1001.sup.st quarter) and beyond
would then be output by the coin processing module 500 into the mixed
coin bin 902 or to another appropriate collection bag within the
self-service machine 510.

[0195] Similarly, if the supervisor inputs an order for multiple
denominations (e.g., 500 quarters, 500 dimes, 500 nickels), through a
self-service machine 510 display/GUI 512 or remotely through an external
system, the controller 520 is configured to cause the coin processing
module 500 to output the requested denominations, in one or more
subsequent coin processing transactions, to designated ones of the secure
coin cassettes (e.g., in FIG. 15, quarters to SC1, dimes to SC2, nickels
to SC3) until the requested order has been fulfilled, at which time the
next coin of each of the requested denominations (e.g., the 501.sup.st
quarter, the 501.sup.st dime, the 501.sup.st nickel) and beyond would
then be output by the coin processing module 500 into the mixed coin bin
902 or to another appropriate collection bag within the self-service
machine 510. In instances where only one secure coin cassette 900 at a
time is available (e.g., SC2-SC5 of FIG. 27B are not available), and such
secure coin cassette is determined by the controller not to have
sufficient capacity for the order, the controller 520 provides a variety
of options to the supervisor. First, the controller 520 provides an
option for the supervisor to swap out the unavailable secure coin
cassettes for empty secure coin cassettes that are available for use.
Second, the controller 520 provides an option for the supervisor to delay
processing of the order until a later time at which a sufficient number
of secure coin cassettes are available to complete the order. Third, the
controller 520 provides an option for the supervisor to serially process
of the order using a single secure coin cassette station, wherein when
the secure coin cassette (e.g., SC1 in the above example) is full, the
supervisor removes the full SC1 once processing has terminated upon
reaching the capacity limit of the secure coin cassette and replaces it
with an empty secure coin cassette (i.e., an empty SC1 secure coin
cassette), at which time processing recommences. Similar options can be
utilized for single denomination or multi-denomination orders.

[0196] The self-service machine 510 is advantageously, but not
necessarily, networked to a network of the business or an external system
via communication device 534. Accordingly, status information from the
self-service machine 510 and, more particularly, status information
relating to the secure coin cassettes 900 is communicated to local or
remote devices (e.g., cell phone, computer, tablet, etc.) to notify
appropriate personnel (e.g., a business supervisor) as to a status of one
or more of the secure coin cassettes 900 (e.g., near-full, full,
out-of-service, error, etc.). The business supervisor is then able to
take appropriate actions, such as to change out a full secure coin
cassette for an empty one. For example, if a one or more secure coin
cassettes are filled, they can be quickly (e.g., within a few minutes)
removed from the self-service machine 510 and stored or moved to another
machine, locally or remotely, for further processing.

[0197] As each secure coin cassette 900 is removed from the self-service
machine 510 by the supervisor, at least the coin input opening 880 and
coin discharge opening 881 will automatically self-lock and secure itself
for movement, such as noted above. Other openings, such as data port
openings (not shown), may also be configured to automatically lock when
the secure coin cassette 900 is not docked. FIG. 15 shows the removal of
the secure coin cassette 900 ("SC1") from the self-service machine 510
and movement of the secure coin cassette (see arrow A1). Upon removal
and/or during this movement, intermittently or continuously, the secure
coin cassette 900 transmits its location and/or other data via one or
more signals 888a, from the RFID 886 and/or the communication device 885,
to reader 887.

[0198] The supervisor is then able to carry the secure coin cassette(s)
900 back to a self-service machine elsewhere in the business (e.g., coin
repurposer 915 of FIG. 14 or cash till machine 920 of FIG. 16), or to an
adjacently disposed machine where provided, and attach the secure coin
cassette(s) 900 to the docking port(s) of the respective machine (e.g.,
docking ports 916 of the cash till machine 920 of FIG. 16). The movement
of the secure coin cassette 900 into place on the docking port 916 is
indicated by arrow A2. The docking ports In association with the
attachment of the secure coin cassette 900 to the cash till machine 920,
the secure coin cassette 900 is registered to the cash till machine 920
(e.g., a location, status and/or other data is transmitted to an external
system and/or reader 887 via the RFID 886 and/or the communication device
885 and/or the coin repurposing machine 915).

[0199] In the example of the cash till machine 920 of FIG. 16, following
the attachment of the secure coin cassette(s) 900 to the docking ports
916, the supervisor (or other authorized personnel) is able to use the
secure coin cassette(s) 900 to refills tills 904 for use at the cashier
stations. In the aspect shown, each secure coin cassette 900 includes one
denomination and feeds such one denomination to a specific portion of a
cash till 904 disposed beneath the respective secure coin cassette 900
(e.g., a quarter secure coin cassette outputs quarters to a quarter
portion of a cash till 904, etc.). A coin dispenser, configured to
regulate the dispensing of coins from each secure coin cassette 900
attached to the cash till machine 920, may be disposed in the secure coin
cassette, in the docking port 916, or in the cash till machine 920,
without limitation. By way of example and without limitation, a coin
dispenser configured to receive coins and singularly and reliably
dispense them may comprise a dispenser, such as is disclosed in any of
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,061,222 A, 5,415,582 A, 6,558,245 B2, 6,695,690 B2,
7,294,051 B2 and 8,408,979 B2, which are each incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.

[0200] In another embodiment, cash till machine 920 of FIG. 16, a coin
processing device (e.g., a coin sorter) is provided at a top portion of
the cash till machine. As noted above, and as shown by way of example in
FIG. 12, a mid-section of the cash till machine comprises docking
stations or docking ports (not shown) configured to operatively receive
one or more secure coin cassettes 900 (e.g., single denomination and/or
multi-denomination). The one or more secure coin cassettes 900 are
removable from the cash till machine 920 following negotiation of one or
more security barriers, such as one or more electronic interlocks and/or
physical barriers (e.g., a locked door in the housing of the cash till
machine).

[0201] FIG. 18 shows a variant of a coin repurposing machine 915 wherein
input coins are supplied to coin processing device (e.g., a coin sorter)
and then from the coin processing device to a coin repurposer. A user
interface 918, such as a graphical user interface (e.g., a touch screen)
and/or pushbuttons, is configured to permit an authorized user to input
packaging instructions to the coin repurposing machine. The packaged
coins are output to the opening 919. The coin repurposing machine 915 may
be a stand-alone machine that is networked or non-networked and may
communicate with external systems, networks, and/or servers wirelessly
and/or via a hardwired connection. In another aspect, the coin
repurposing machine 915 of FIG. 18 could utilize internally-disposed
secure coin cassettes in combination with the coin processing device. In
yet another aspect, the coin repurposing machine 915 of FIG. 18 could
omit coin processing device and/or the secure coin cassettes entirely and
simply feed the pre-sorted input coins into a packaging queue for
packaging by the coin repurposer.

[0202] FIG. 19 shows an example of a cash till machine 920 utilizing
internally-disposed secure coin cassettes in accord with at least some
aspects of the present concepts. A user interface 918, such as a
graphical user interface (e.g., a touch screen) and/or pushbuttons, is
configured to permit an authorized user to input instructions to the cash
till machine to dispense particular quantities of and denominations of
coins to a cash till 904 positioned in the opening 919. The cash till
machine 920 may be a stand-alone machine that is networked or
non-networked and may communicate with external systems, networks, and/or
servers wirelessly and/or via a hardwired connection.

[0203] FIGS. 20A-20B show a representation of two embodiments of a cash
till machine 920 of FIG. 18 wherein the cash till machine 920 are in open
(FIG. 20B) and closed (FIG. 20A) configurations. Atop the cash till
machines 920 of FIGS. 20A-20B are disposed docking ports 916 to which
secure coin cassettes 900 are attached. Coins from each of the attached
secure coin cassettes 900 are output from openings 881 at the bottom
portions of the secure coin cassette, such as by a coin dispenser
disposed within (see, e.g., FIG. 13) or attached externally to the secure
coin cassette, a coin dispenser integrated with the docking port 916, or
a coin dispenser 930 provided in the cash till machine 920.

[0204] Once dispensed, the coins are directed into appropriate sections of
the cash till 904. The open configuration of FIG. 20B shows four coin
dispensing devices 930 each coin dispensing device corresponding to a
specific secure coin cassette 900 and docking port 916. The coin
dispensing devices 930, in one aspect, are configured to hold a
predetermined number of coins appropriate to the business cash tills. As
one illustration, the secure coin cassette 900 coin dispenser (or docking
port 916 coin dispenser if provided) discharges a cash till mix of coins
to the respective coin dispensing devices 930 (e.g., $10 in quarters to
the quarter coin dispensing device 930) where they are held until
required. When a cash till (coin drawer) is inserted beneath the coin
dispensing devices 930 the coin dispensing devices may automatically
dispense the held coins into the cash till or, alternatively, a user can
activate one or more levers on the coin dispensing devices to manually
dispense the coins therefrom.

[0205] The coin dispensing devices 930 of FIG. 20B can alternatively be
used to dispense a predetermined number of coins into a metal coin tube,
plastic coin tube (e.g., Fed color coded and sized), pre-formed paper
tube (e.g., Fed color coded and sized), plastic sleeve (not shown) which
can then be transported for use elsewhere (e.g., elsewhere in the store,
to refill a coin change dispensers at a point of sale (POS), etc.). The
coin dispensing devices can be used to fill to the exact count of a
Federal rolled coin utilizing pre-formed plastic or paper tubes which are
Fed color-coded and sized to correspond to the Fed coin tube quantity
limit for each denomination of coin. The filled tubes can then be crimped
or capped and secured (e.g., in safe 1100) or removed and used (e.g., at
a POS).

[0206] In another embodiment, the coin dispensing devices 930 can be used
to dispense a predetermined number of coins of a denomination into a
small container cups, optionally having a sealable top and optionally
durable and reusable, which can then be secured (e.g., in safe 1100) or
removed and used (e.g., at a POS).

[0207] Further, the coin dispensing devices 930 can be used to dispense a
predetermined number of coins of a plurality of denominations into a
mixed-denomination bulk coin container. For example, an attendant can
instruct the coin dispensing devices 930 to dispense (or can manually
dispense) five-dollars in quarters, one-dollar in nickels, two-dollars in
climes, and fifty cents in pennies to a selected container inserted under
the coin dispensing devices 930.

[0208] Although not shown, the cash till machines 920 may comprise
lockable door limiting access and/or control systems that enable
operation of the coin dispensing devices 930 only following satisfaction
of security requirements. The cash till machines 920 of FIGS. 20A-20B may
comprise a touch screen display (e.g., a 5''-7'' display) and a GUI and
controls (e.g., electronics/driver board, actuators, etc.) to allow an
operator to select a specific number of coins to be dispensed from each
of the coin dispensing devices 930. For example, a default condition of
the coin dispensing devices 930 may be locked and only entry of a
security code into a keypad or GUI caused an associated controller to
enable actuation of the coin dispensing devices and, even then, to
operate only within predetermined parameters (e.g., to discharge one of a
plurality of preprogrammed coin mixes). Different security codes may
advantageously enable different parameters (e.g., a supervisor has more
permissive parameters than an employee, etc.).

[0209] In the embodiment of FIGS. 20A-20B, the cash till machines 920 do
not themselves involve an automated device to process and sort coins.
Instead, the coins are pre-sorted using a separate method (e.g., ordering
them from a bank in bulk, using a coin processing machine to
pre-sort/pre-bag, using a secure coin cassette, etc.) and then poured
into the docking ports 916, which are configured as coin hoppers, and the
coin dispensing devices 930 are used to dispense loose coin to fill cash
tills. Thus, the coin dispensing devices 930 may be filled using coins
input from a source other than the secure coin cassettes.

[0211] In at least some aspects, the funnel 916 at the top of the coin
processing device is simply a funnel configured to accept input of loose
mixed coins. The coin processing device 950 and cash till machine 920
then, in combination, dispense coin by denomination into intermediate
coin holding areas (not shown), into the cash till 904, or into another
type of container such as, but not limited to, pre-formed standard coin
tubes (Federal specifications) or other coin tubes (e.g., long tubes for
refill of POS coin dispensers). In other aspects, however, the coin
processing device 950 itself comprises a docking port 916 disposed to
feed coins to the coin input region of the coin processing device. A
secure coin cassette 900 is attached to the docking port 916 to permit
coins to be discharged from the secure coin cassette, via an on-board or
external coin dispensing device, into the coin processing device 950 coin
input area to be processed thereby. The processed coins are then
dispensed into a cash till 904. In this example, the secure coin cassette
900 may comprise a mixed-denomination secure coin cassette, wherein
output channels of the coin processing device 950 direct a coin of a
specific denomination to a coin path leading to a specific portion of a
cash till 904. Alternatively, the secure coin cassette 900 comprises a
single-denomination secure coin cassette and the coin processing device
950 directs the coins of that denomination to a specific portion of a
cash 904 till via a corresponding coin outlet and coin path.

[0212] Although shown to include only a single docking port 916 in FIG.
21A, a plurality of docking ports 916 can be provided atop the coin
processing device 950 to discharge thereto a plurality of denominations
from single-denomination secure coin cassettes 900.

[0213] FIG. 21B shows a representation of the cash till machine 920
disposed on a desktop workspace 940 adjacent to an empty cash till 904. A
safe 1100 may be used to store formed deliverable coin packages,
deliverable currency bill packages, or deliverable coin and currency bill
packages until use, pick-up, or delivery.

[0214] FIGS. 21A-21B show examples comprising a coin processing device 950
wherein the coin counting and/or sorting mechanism is used to fill the
coin portions of the cash tills 904. These embodiments can be used for a
variety applications, such as a stand-alone coin repurposer for back
office retail (loose coin cash till repurposing--depositing and
dispensing) or as integrated into a coin repurposing side car for an
automated employee safe or for a personal teller machine. As discussed
above, for example, the coin processing device used to fill the cash till
904 and/or secure coin cassettes can be a Cummins Allison Corp. JetSort
or a Cummins Allison Corp. "Money Machine," a variant of which is
represented in FIG. 12. Coin discrimination is not required.

[0215] FIG. 18, discussed above, represents an example of a stand-alone
cash till machine 920 wherein the secure coin cassettes 900 are disposed
internally. In yet other aspects the cash till machine 920 is integrated
with another machine (e.g., a currency repurposer or an ATM), either
within the same cabinet, attached thereto, or disposed adjacent thereto
or in the vicinity thereof. A user interface, such as a graphical user
interface (e.g., a touch screen) and/or pushbuttons, is configured to
permit an authorized user to input instructions to the cash till machine
920 to dispense particular quantities of and denominations of coins to a
cash till 904 (not shown) positioned in a correspondingly dimensioned
opening in the cash till machine. By way of example, in such combination,
a cashier at the end of a shift can simply empty the coins from the
cashier's cash till into the coin repurposing machine (e.g., 510 in FIG.
15) attached to the coin till machine 920. The coin repurposing machine
tallies the cashier's cash till coins and outputs the amount to external
systems (e.g., accounting). Preferably, the coin repurposing machine
performs a coin discrimination function. The empty till 904 is then left
for the new cashier's shift. Additional modules may also be integrated
therewith to facilitate the counting of and/or dispensing of currency
bills.

[0216] As another example, FIG. 22A depicts an example of a
Cummins-Allison Corp. "Money Machine" self-service machine 510, modified
in accord with at least some aspects of the present concepts, disposed in
a countertop 1050 of a retail environment (e.g., a counter of a bank, a
service desk of a grocery store, etc.). In some aspects, a
Cummins-Allison Corp. "Money Machine" accepts coins from a consumer, via
coin input region 514, and either deposits verified coins into a mixed
denomination bin and/or into one or more single-denomination bags and/or
one or more mixed-denomination bags. In accord with at least some aspects
of the present concepts, the self-service machine 510 depicted in FIG.
22A comprises a plurality of coin dispensing devices 930 disposed on a
rear side of the self-service machine. Each of the coin dispensing
devices 930 is configured to receive a single coin denomination from the
coin processing module (not shown) and/or intermediate coin holding areas
(not shown) and/or secure coin cassettes (not shown).

[0217] As one example, a retailer may utilize a Money Machine self-service
machine 510 utilizing four coin dispensing devices 930, one coin
dispensing device for each of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters,
which are typical coins used by retailer in making change for
transactions in the United States. In operation, the Money Machine would
sort coin and discharge processed coins into the coin dispensing devices
930 until they are filled with a set number of coins appropriate for use
to fill a cash till and further processed coins of a given denomination
are the directed by the coin processing module to one or more
intermediate coin holding areas, secure coin cassettes, coin bags, and/or
coin bins. FIG. 22B shows a backside of the self-service machine 510 of
FIG. 22A, with portions of the countertop 1050 in which the self-service
machine is disposed. The backside of the self-service machine 510
comprises an opening 950, which may be open (as shown) or may be closed
and secured with a locking door. As shown, a cash till 904 is inserted in
a bottom portion of the opening 950 to be filled using the coin
dispensers 930, such as discussed above. In the example of FIGS. 22A-22B,
the opening 950 is disposed on a secure side of the self-service machine
510 (i.e., behind the counter) where it is readily accessible by
authorized personnel. Although not shown, a locking door or other
access-control device may be utilized to provide additional security for
rear access to the self-service machine 510 coin dispensing devices 930.
Further, to facilitate employee use, a GUI (e.g., a 5-7'' touch screen)
may be provided on the rear side of the self-service machine 510.

[0218] FIG. 23A shows a variant of the self-service machine 510 of FIGS.
22A-22B wherein secure coin cassettes 900 are filled by the self-service
machine and are made available to authorized personnel through the back
of the self-service machine. For example, the rear of the self-service
machine 510 optionally comprises a lockable door and a full cassette is
made available for removal responsive to input of an appropriate key
(e.g., to unlock the door) and/or codes (e.g., entry of employee code)
and/or satisfaction of other security requirements (e.g., biometric scan
of finger using biometric reading device). The secure coin cassettes 900
each comprise a handle 960 to facilitate handling. In other aspects,
handle 960 comprises a lateral central handle, an upper and lower lateral
handle, or a longitudinal handle, similar in orientation to the
illustrated handle, formed into the cassette itself so as to be integral
with the cassette. As described above, the secure coin cassettes 900 can
be removed from the rear of the self-service machine 510 when they are
full and an empty secure coin cassette inserted in place thereof. The
full secure coin cassette 900 can then be moved to, for example, a cash
till machine 920 as shown in FIG. 23A for attachment to docking ports
(not shown) thereon.

[0219] FIGS. 23B-23C show other variants of cash till machine 920 that are
configured to fill secure coin cassettes 900. In FIG. 23B, for example,
four secure coin cassettes 900 are inserted under four coin dispensing
devices 930, each coin dispensing device outputting coins to a specific
secure coin cassette 900. In FIG. 23C, the secure coin cassettes 900 are
being filled by a coin processing machine 950 disposed atop the cash till
machine 920, such as was described above in relation to FIGS. 21A-21B.
Docking ports 916 are adapted to receive loose coin. Alternatively, where
cassettes do not need to be attached to the cash till machine 920,
funnels or coin trays (e.g., tiltable coin trays) could be used in lieu
of docking ports.

[0220] FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of a self-service machine 510 disposed
in a counter 1050 separating a public area from a non-public area
reserved for use by the business, with the front of the self-service
machine facing the public area. Whereas the prior examples provided rear
access to secure coin cassettes 900 or a cash till 904 refilling area,
the embodiment of FIG. 24 provides a coin repurposer 570 integrated
therein, such as is described in relation to FIGS. 8, 10, 11, 14, and 18,
with a rear discharge opening 1019. Coins of an appropriate quantity of
and denomination, and currency where provided, are discharged to an inlet
1080 of the coin repurposer 570 from intermediate coin holding areas
(e.g., 11-14) and/or secure coin cassettes 900, where they are packaged
by the coin repurposer. In one example, one or more rolls of material
1090 (e.g., polyethylene, LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE, Tyvek.RTM., woven fabric,
sheet paper, etc.) are used to wrap the ordered coins (or currency bills
or coins and currency bills) and one or more heat sealing units (or other
types of sealing unit(s) appropriate to the material, such as tape,
adhesive, etc.) are used to seal open edges of the package. The material
of the one or more rolls of material 1090 may comprise micro-perforations
or one or more small openings to permit excess air to escape and to
reduce the potential for condensation. Alternatively, the coin repurposer
570 optionally comprises a vacuum sealing device to vacuum seal the
prepared coin packages (e.g., where the material used in the packaging is
non-porous).

[0221] The graphical user interface 512, or an attendant graphical user
interface 1012 disposed on a back portion of the self-service machine
510, is configured to permit input or one or more orders for packaged
coins, as described elsewhere herein. Ordered packaged coins are
dispensed to discharge opening 1019 at the rear of the self-service
machine 510 for retrieval by an attendant (in the configuration depicted
in FIG. 24). Where ordered by another business or by a member of the
public (as opposed to being requested for internal use by the business in
which the self-service machine 510 is disposed), the ordered packaged
coins (or ordered packaged currency if a package of bills, or a packaged
of mixed of coins and bills is ordered) can be removed from the discharge
opening 1019 and stored for pickup in a separate secured location.
Alternatively, the self-service machine 510 prepares the package, using
intermediate coin holding areas (e.g., 11-14) and/or secure coin
cassettes 900 to supply the integral coin repurposer 570 with an
appropriate quantity of and denomination of coin for the coin repurposer
to prepare the packaged coins in real-time following input of the order
by a business or user at the self-service machine and/or following
validation of or completion of the order on-site at the self-service
machine. The self-service machine 510 may comprise payment input devices
such as, but not limited to, a card reader (e.g., smart card reader,
magnetic strip reader, PayPass.RTM., Tap&Go.TM., etc.), a near field
transmitter/receiver (e.g., for a digital wallet), and/or a currency bill
receiving module appropriate to the networked or non-networked
configuration of the self-service machine. Where networked, the coin
repurposer 915 is communicatively coupled to external systems, such as
accounting systems and remote servers, to effectuate any transactions
requiring remote communication.

[0222] Although the coin repurposer 570 is shown elsewhere herein to be
integrated into a self-service machine 510, the coin repurposer may
alternatively be a stand-alone unit into which an attendant disposes a
pre-sorted ordered coin mix (or currency bill mix or coin and currency
bill mix). By way of example, an attendant (e.g., a supervisor) may
utilize a cash till machine 920 to discharge thereto a predetermined coin
mix from attached secure coin cassettes 900. This coin mix may then be
manually input into the coin repurposer 570 to produce the requested coin
package, which is then held for payment and pick-up. The coin repurposer
570 may package coins and/or currency bills using, by way of example,
sheet paper wrap, plastic sheet, fabric sheet, pre-formed plastic bags or
pre-formed fabric bags (satchels), cardboard boxes, or pre-formed plastic
shells, or may itself form a container using the material roll 1090
(e.g., heat sealing LDPE film from the roll 1090 along three sides to
form a cavity with an opening along the fourth side, depositing coins in
the formed cavity through the opening, and then heat sealing the opening
at the fourth side, etc.). The packaged coins are then dispensed into a
discharge opening 1019.

[0223] In yet other aspects of the present concepts, an ordered coin mix
may be processed by an attendant, such as a supervisor, and manually
packaged for delivery to another person or business. For example, an
attendant (e.g., a supervisor) uses a cash till machine 920 to discharge
thereto a predetermined coin mix from attached secure coin cassettes 900,
manually packages the coin mix into a bag or box, seals the bag or box,
and then holds the coin package for payment and pick-up. Due to the
potential for human error, this approach is less preferred than an
automated approach.

[0224] In another variant of the self-service machine 510 depicted in FIG.
24, an opening 1019 is also provided at a front part of the self-service
machine for direct access by a requestor (e.g., another business or by a
member of the public) so that the ordered packaged coins (or ordered
packaged currency if a package of bills, or a packaged of mixed of coins
and bills is ordered) can be removed from the discharge opening 1019 by
such requestor following payment and/or validation.

[0225] FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of at least one aspect of the present
concepts wherein a coin processing device 950 (e.g., a Cummins Allison
Corp. JetSort 1000, etc.) is integrated with a coin repurposer 570. The
coin processing device 950 comprises a docking port 916 or funnel
disposed to feed input coins, such as loose mixed coins, to the coin
input region of the coin repurposer 570. The coin repurposer 570 then
creates a satchel or bag using the stock material from the material roll
1090. For example, as noted above, the heat sealers (not shown) can be
used to seal the stock LDPE film from the material roll 1090 along three
sides to form a cavity with an opening along the fourth side, after which
coins are deposited in the formed cavity through the opening, and then
the opening at the fourth side is heat sealed to form a package or
sachet. Alternatively, the coin repurposer could forgo on or more heat
sealers and instead utilize one or more applicators for a
pressure-sensitive permanent adhesive that can then be sealed via
application of pressure. A printer can be provided to label and/or number
the package (e.g., with bar codes, requestor name, amounts, etc.) to
facilitate storage and audit.

[0226] In at least some aspects, the coin sachets formed by the coin
repurposer 570 comprise coin mixes specified by a business or person
placing an order for coins of such specific mix.

[0227] In other aspects, the sachets formed by the coin repurposer 570
comprise coin denomination limits specific to internal use by the banks
(e.g., a Fed-specified amount for a particular denomination). The sachets
utilize clear plastic having at least a 6.5-mil gauge thickness, possess
a tamper-evident seal, have formed therein a reinforced handle able to
withstand hang test with a +100 lb. load, and have a label on the
opposite side of the handle showing the denomination, dollar amount,
depositor's name, and ABA routing number (with four-digit branch
code/four-digit endpoint number). The plurality of material rolls 1090
may comprise a plurality of different materials (e.g., so that different
layers of the satchel can provide different properties or
characteristics).

[0228] In some aspects, a secure coin cassette 900 is attached to the
docking port 916 to permit coins to be discharged from the secure coin
cassette, via an on-board or external coin dispensing device, into the
coin repurposer 570 to be packaged thereby for re-use. The packaged coins
are then dispensed into a discharge opening 1019.

[0229] In other aspects of the device of FIG. 25, a pre-sorted order of
coins is input into the docking port funnel 916 following processing of
the order using another coin processing device. In this aspect, the coin
processing device 950 serves as a check on the accuracy of the order and
the coin processing device 950 optionally prints a verification of the
count that is actually packaged and can dispense a copy of such printout
to the coin repurposer 570 to be incorporated into the coin package.
Although FIG. 25 is only shown to have a single docking port 916, a
plurality of docking ports 916 can be provided atop the coin processing
device 950 to discharge thereto a plurality of denominations from
single-denomination secure coin cassettes 900.

[0230] FIG. 25 also shows a representation of the coin repurposer 570 and
coin processing device 950 combination disposed adjacent a desktop
workspace 940. A safe 1100 may be used to store formed coin packages,
currency bill packages, or coin and currency bill packages until use,
pick-up, or delivery.

[0231] FIGS. 26A-26B show an embodiment of at least one aspect of the
present concepts wherein a plurality of single denomination secure coin
cassettes 900 are integrated with a coin repurposer 570 (FIG. 26A) or a
single, mixed denomination secure coin cassette 900 is integrated with a
coin repurposer 570 (FIG. 26B). A docking port 1200 is provided to secure
the secure coin cassette(s) 900 in place, to facilitate the discharge of
coins therefrom, and to provide data and/or power connections to the
secure coin cassette(s) 900. In some aspects, the secure coin cassette(s)
900 discharge coins via an on-board or external coin dispensing device.
In other aspects, the docking port 1200 comprises one or more coin
dispensing devices. Coins packaged (e.g., into clear plastic satchels) by
the coin repurposer 570 (e.g., using a plastic film material roll 1090)
are then dispensed into a discharge opening 1019. The formed package of
coins (e.g., satchels) can be used, for example, to re-circulate coins
into cash tills in the business.

[0232] FIGS. 27A-27D show yet other aspects of the present concepts,
wherein a self-service machine 510, such as a Cummins Allison Corp. Money
Machine.TM. 2, is configured to supply coins from the coin storage bin
902 to a conveyor system 1202 configured to convey such coins to a coin
processing module 500, which would repurpose the coins and output
selected coins to one or more coin cassettes 900 (e.g., one coin
cassette, two coin cassettes, five coin cassettes, ten coin cassettes,
etc.), coin tills 904, or coin repurposer 570 (which in turn would form
and output one or more coin repurposing package(s) to respective currency
retrieval areas 580 (e.g., R1-Rx)) to thereby utilize coins from the coin
storage bin to process a coin repurposing order.

[0233] The conveyor system 1202 may utilize any conventional conveyor such
as, but not limited to, a vertical conveyor, spiral conveyor, belt
conveyor, screw conveyor, or bucket conveyor dimensioned and configured,
as appropriate, for conveyance of coins 1250 within the self-service
machine 510. As represented in FIGS. 27A-27D, the conveyor system 1202
receives coins output from the base 1240 of the coin bin 902 and
temporarily holds the coins in recesses, pockets, or the like 1210. The
mixed coins 1250 are moved from the base 1240 of the mixed coin bin 902,
via the conveyor system 1202, upwardly to a position where the coins can
be discharged from the recesses or pockets 1210 to the coin processing
module 500. To facilitate the ordered flow of coins, the base 1240 of the
coin bin 902 comprises one or more actuators (not shown) adapted to
regulate the flow of coins from the coin bin (e.g., one at a time, a few
at a time, ten at a time, twenty at a time, etc.).

[0234] Thus, if an authorized person (e.g., a store supervisor in the
store in which the self-service machine 510 was situated, whether in a
public area or a back room) wanted to fill one or more coin cassette(s)
(or other coin package(s), such as a satchel) with a specific number of
quarters for use within the store (e.g., 250 quarters, 500 quarters, 1000
quarters, etc.), he or she would place an order through an appropriate
interface with the self-service machine 510 (e.g., a machine GUI 512, a
supervisor mode on the machine, a machine button panel, a remote request
through an external system, such as a connected computer or a handheld
mobile device, etc.). In at least some aspects of the present concepts,
following receipt of the order, the self-service machine 510 would
initially determine, via the controller(s) 520 (not shown in FIG. 27A)
whether or not sufficient coins to fill the order were available in one
or more of the secure coin cassette(s) 900. If the controller(s) 520
operatively associated with the self-service machine 510 determine that
the secure coin cassette(s) 900 are not available to satisfy the order,
the self-service machine activates a coin transport system (e.g.,
conveyor 1202 in FIGS. 27A-27D) to transport coins from the coin storage
bin 902 to the coin processing module 500, where the mixed coins from the
coin storage bin would then be processed (again) and separated by
denomination. Optionally, the coin processing module 500 is started
subsequent to the starting of the coin transport system at a time at
which the first coins from the coin transport system would be nearing the
coin processing module. The coin processing module 500, under the control
of the controller 520 (not shown in FIGS. 27A-27D), dispenses the
specified coins (e.g., single denomination, mixed denominations, etc.) to
one (or more) designated secure coin cassette(s) 900 (e.g., SC1-SCx, as
shown in FIGS. 27A-27B), to a coin repurposer 570 configured to form
deliverable coin packages (shown in FIG. 27C), or to one or more
intermediate holding areas (e.g., as shown in FIG. 27D). Coins not
fitting the requested profile of the order are output by the coin
processing module 500 to the coin storage bin 902.

[0235] This process continues until the order has been fulfilled, at which
point all of the remaining coins in the coin transport system are
processed by the coin processing module 500 and returned to the coin
storage bin 902, with corresponding updates to the tallies of coins
stored in the coin storage bin and secure coin cassette(s) 900,
respectively. Following completion of these acts, the self-service
machine 510 may be either immediately placed back into service, such as
in the case of an order for coins placed by a supervisor through an
external system (e.g., a remote computer) to avoid unnecessarily
out-of-service times, or may be placed back into service only following
retrieval of the one (or more) designated secure coin cassette(s) 900 by
the requestor (e.g., a store supervisor), such as where the requestor is
present at the self-service machine and is able to contemporaneously
retrieve the one (or more) designated secure coin cassette(s) and
manually place the self-service machine back in service.

[0236] With reference to an illustrative example of a user of the systems
shown in FIGS. 27A-27D, at the end of a day, a supermarket manager might
determine that the store is in need of between one and two full cassettes
of quarters (e.g., each being 1/4 of a Federal Bag) from a self-service
machine 510 disposed in the supermarket. The supermarket manager can
place an order at the self-service machine 510, or via an intermediary
device (e.g., computer, laptop, wireless device, etc.), for the required
number of quarters. The self-service machine 510 would then allocate two
secure coin cassettes 900 for the input order, start the coin transport
system to divert coins from the coin storage bin 902 to the coin
processing module 500, and process the mixed coins using the coin
processing module 500 to separate the coins by denomination and, under
the control of the controller 520 (not shown), dispense the quarters
first to the first designated secure coin cassette 900 until full and
then to the second designated secure coin cassette. When the second
designated secure coin cassette 900 is full, remaining coins in the coin
transport system are processed by the coin processing module 500 and
output back to the coin storage bin 902.

[0237] By way of example, in view of the configuration of FIGS. 27A-27D,
inter alia, a supervisor can take the self-service machine 510 out of
operation for a brief period of time to provide for in-store repurposing
of coins (e.g., to a secure coin cassette 900, coin till 904, repurposed
coin package, etc.). Advantageously, the supervisor is enabled to quickly
access mixed coin located in the coin storage bin 902 and divert this
coin to the coin processing module 500, where it is separated by
denomination, and the selected coin denomination(s) are output to a
destination of choice (e.g., to a secure coin cassette 900, coin till
904, repurposed coin package, etc.) until such destination has received a
specified number of coins of such denomination. To illustrate, a
supervisor can access the self-service machine 510 (e.g., locally using
an input device, such as a GUI, or remotely using an external system,
such as a remote computer), activate a "supervisor mode" or other
controlled-access mode, input the coin order requirements (e.g., the
denomination(s), quantity/quantities of coin(s)), and desired repurposing
form(s) (e.g., secure coin cassette(s), bag(s), shrink wrap, etc.). The
self-service machine 510 controller 520, responsive to the input order,
causes activation of the coin conveyor system 1202 and activation of one
or more actuators to release coins from the coin bin 902 to the conveyor
system 1202. The conveyor system 1202 receives coins 1250 output from the
coin bin 902 (e.g., a gravity feed from the base 1240 of the coin bin,
etc.), temporarily holds the coins in recesses, pockets, or the like
1210, and moves the coins upwardly to a position where the coins can be
discharged from the recesses or pockets 1210 to the coin processing
module 500 inlet for reprocessing.

[0238] The coin processing module 500 processes the coins 1250 delivered
by the conveyor system 1202 and delivers the sorted coins to the
appropriate secure coin cassette 900. In one aspect, the secure coin
cassette 900 is denomination-based and mixed coin is sorted by the coin
processing module 500 so that quarters are discharged to a secure coin
cassette 900 for quarters, dimes are discharged to a secure coin cassette
for dimes, nickels are discharged to a secure coin cassette for nickels,
and pennies are discharged to a secure coin cassette for pennies.

[0239] The coin processing module 500 continues to operate until one or
more of the secure coin cassettes are full or otherwise at a desired
level (e.g., a predetermined value, a predetermined number of coins,
etc.), at which time the coin processing module stops outputting coins to
the secure coin cassette 900 and instead discharges any coins remaining
in the coin processing module, or later input into the coin processing
module, back to the coin bin 902 or other designated output. At the same
time, the controller 520 causes the actuator(s) (not shown) at the base
of the coin bin 902 to stop discharging coins from the coin bin and
causes the conveyor system 1202 to continue operating to deliver coins to
the coin processing module 500 until the conveyor system no longer
conveys any coins. When it is determined by the controller 520 that all
coins on the conveyor system 1202 have been deliver to the coin
processing module 500, processed thereby, and returned to the coin bin
902 (e.g., by a complete circuit or cycle of the conveyor system 1202
with no coin being processed by the coin processing module, lapse of a
predetermined time, lapse of a predetermined time with no coin being
processed by the coin processing module, etc.), the controller stops the
conveyor system.

[0240] Following the filling of the secure coin cassette(s) 900 with one
or more denominations, either as a single-denomination secure coin
cassette or a mixed or multi-denomination secure coin cassette, the
supervisor could then unlock an access panel (not shown) in the
self-service machine 510 to permit access to the secure coin cassette(s)
for which the order for repurposed currency had been output. As one
example, if only one secure coin cassette 900 is available to a
supervisor, and the supervisor needs to secure two coin cassettes of
coins (e.g., a first secure coin cassette of a first denomination and a
second secure coin cassette of a second denomination, which could
optionally be the same as the first denomination) the supervisor could
remove the first full coin cassette, replace it with an empty secure coin
cassettes, and continue the repurposing operation until the empty secure
coin cassette has received the requisite number of coins of the desired
denomination. As noted above, coins that are not of the selected
denomination for the particular secure coin cassette are redirected back
to the coin bin 902 or, if applicable, are diverted to other secure coin
cassettes.

[0241] Following completion of the repurposing operation, the supervisor
would turn off the coin conveyor system 1202 and place the self-service
machine 510 back into service for customers and consumers to utilize.

[0242] Since the self-service machine 510 maintains an exact count of all
coins in the coin bin 902, the self-service machine is preferably
configured to, upon receipt of the request for repurposed coins, compare
the requested number of or value of coins of the first denomination
(e.g., quarters) to an actual number of or value of coins of the first
denomination in the coin bin, such actual number of or value of coins of
the first denomination in the coin bin being maintained on a memory
device associated with the coin processing device, and output a message
to the authorized person that the request cannot be filled. Thus, if the
supervisor requests that the self-service machine 510 discharge 1000
quarters to a secure coin cassette 900, and the coin bin 902 only
contains 750 quarters (at that time), the self-service machine outputs a
message to the supervisor (e.g., via a self-service machine display, text
message to an electronic device used to place the request, etc.)
informing the supervisor that the request cannot be filled at that time
(e.g., an "error" message, etc.). Optionally, the self-service machine
510 provides an option of storing the request for fulfillment at a later
time, with the self-service machine being configured to periodically
(e.g., after each coin processing operation, every 10 minutes, every 30
minutes, etc.) compare the actual number of or value of coins of the
first denomination in the coin bin to the requested number of or value of
coins of the first denomination. Following satisfaction of such
condition, the self-service machine can either notify the supervisor of
the viability of order fulfillment or automatically initiate the
repurposing operation based on a prior instruction from the supervisor.

[0243] In another aspect of the present concepts, it is conceivable that
contents of the mixed coin bin 902 could be owned by more than one party.
For example, a store in which a leased self-service machine 510 is
situated could be entitled to a first value of the coins borne within the
mixed coin bin 902 and an owner of the self-service machine is entitled
to a second value of the coins borne within the mixed coin bin. The owner
of at least a portion of a value of the coins (e.g., a store supervisor
in the store in which the self-service machine 510 was situated) is
enabled to withdraw, via the system depicted in FIGS. 27A-27B, a value
correspond to that owned from the mixed coin bin 902 (e.g., to reconcile
a balance sheet at the end of a shift, day or week, etc.). Following
identification of the authorized user to the self-service machine 510 via
an appropriate interface (e.g., a machine GUI 512, a supervisor mode on
the machine, a machine button panel, a remote request through an external
system, such as a connected computer or a handheld mobile device, etc.),
the system enables the authorized user to, via selection of inputs (e.g.,
selectable buttons, soft buttons, etc.), input an order for one or more
coin packages (see, e.g., FIG. 27C), having a cumulative value totaling
the value of coins owned by such person or entity. Once the request for
the coins has been input into the self-service machine 510, via selection
of appropriate inputs using an interface with the self-service machine
controller(s) 520 (not shown in FIG. 27A) and the controller(s) 520
determine that the secure coin cassette(s) 900 are not available to
satisfy the request, the self-service machine activates the coin
transport system (e.g., conveyor 1202 in FIGS. 27A-27D) to transport
coins from the coin storage bin 902 to the coin processing module 500 for
processing and repurposing. The coin processing module 500, under the
control of the controller 520 (not shown in FIGS. 27A-27D), dispenses the
specified coins (e.g., single denomination, mixed denominations, etc.) to
one (or more) designated secure coin cassette(s) 900 (e.g., SC1-SCx, as
shown in FIGS. 27A-27B) and/or to a coin repurposer 570 configured to
form deliverable coin packages (shown in FIG. 27C) as designated by the
requestor. Coins not fitting the request are discharged by the coin
processing module 500 back to the coin storage bin 902.

[0244] In another aspect, where there is multi-party claim to the currency
processed by the self-service machines (e.g., 510) disclosed herein,

[0245] As yet another option, one or more self-service machines 510
situated in a business is networked to the POS network connecting the
various sensors, scanners, cash registers and/or EFTPOS terminals to a
back-room, local or remote computer. The controller(s) 520 for the
self-service machine(s) 510 and/or the controller(s) for the POS network
monitor the cash flow (e.g., coins and/or currency bills) at each of the
cash register tills. Upon assuming a new shift at a register, the amount
of the till is entered manually by the cashier or is registered
automatically (e.g., each till is registered and tracked and an amount
input into the till prior to the shift by an automated cash till
management system is entered into the POS network as a shift starting
value). With successive transactions, the POS network and/or
controller(s) monitors the inflow and outflow of coins and/or currency
bills. When the controller(s) 520 for the self-service machine(s) 510
and/or the controller(s) for the POS network determine that a particular
till requires, or will require, replenishment of one or more coin
denominations or currency bill denominations, the controller(s) 520 for
the self-service machine(s) 510 can then be optionally configured to
automatically generate a deliverable currency package for that individual
till. Thus, if a particular coin till is running short on quarters and is
projected to require more quarters during the shift, the self-service
machine(s) 510 is configurable to generate a deliverable coin package
comprising quarters in an appropriate amount (e.g., a predetermined
amount, an amount relating to a time-remaining in shift, an amount
relating to a rate of cash till coin utilization, an amount specifically
requested by the cashier via the cashier terminal or other input device,
etc.) for pick-up by an authorized person (e.g., a shift manager, etc.)
for delivery to the cashier. A label could be advantageously printed by a
printing device of the self-service machine(s) 510 and affixed to the
deliverable coin package, receipt of which is then entered into the POS
network via, for example, manual input by the cashier into the cashier
terminal or scanning of the deliverable coin package by a cashier
terminal scanning device.

[0246] The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended
to limit the present concepts to the forms, features, configurations,
modules, or applications described herein by way of example. Other
non-enumerated configurations, combinations, and/or sub-combinations of
such forms, features, configurations, modules, acts, elements, and/or
applications are considered to lie within the scope of the disclosed
concepts.

[0247] By way of example, other modules are utilizable in combination with
the self-service machine 510 and/or coin repurposer 570 disclosed herein.
For example, a document processing module or document processing machine
(e.g., a Cummins Allison Corp JetScan currency sorter, a Cummins Allison
Corp JetScaniFX i400, etc.) may be optionally provided to accept
documents including currency bills, but also tickets, checks, and/or
other security paper or bearer paper. Yet other add-on modules to the
self-service machine 10 could include, by way of example, a value card
dispenser and/or an ATM. Thus, various combinations of the present
concepts are expressly contemplated as falling within the scope of the
disclosure and, by way of example, the self-service machine 510 may
comprise only a coin processing and repurposing module, only a currency
bill processing and repurposing module, or both a coin processing and
repurposing module and a currency bill processing and repurposing module.

[0248] As a further variation on the concepts disclosed herein, the secure
coin cassettes 900 are utilizable in combination with the document
processing modules to store and/or dispense currency bills, with the same
features and functionality as that described above with respect to the
secure coin cassettes 900.

[0251] Although the repurposed currency retrieval areas R1-Rx are
generally described herein as output locations for packet(s) or
package(s) of coin and/or currency bills, the present concepts include
dispensing of loose (unpackaged) coin and/or currency bills to the
repurposed currency retrieval areas R1-Rx or other currency dispensing
outlet.

[0252] In any of the self-service machines disclosed herein, a "teller
assist" or trained personnel may be made available to a user to
facilitate or complete certain transactions.

[0253] Further, although many of the machines or devices described herein,
by way of example, refer to a resident controller in the machine or
device, such control may alternatively be provided by one or more
external controllers, which may be local or remote.

[0254] Yet further, in accord with at least some aspects of the present
concepts, the self-service machines disclosed herein may advantageously
include a biometric device configured to positively identify a user to
the self-service machine via a previously enrolled biometric input or
template. In one embodiment, the biometric device is incorporated in the
self-service machine. Alternatively, the biometric device is carried by
the user (e.g., a biometric device incorporated into a smart phone or
handheld device, etc.) which the user then activates to transmit data to
the target self-service machine. For example, some users may carry a
fingerprint-based fob (e.g., an electronic key) that may be adapted to
input identifying information on the user's biometric characteristic to
the self-service machine. This includes, but is not limited to, the
scanning of a fingerprint, scanning of one's iris, or other known
techniques for biometric identification. The identification of the user
to the self-service machine via the biometric device is used, for
example, to operatively associate a requested transaction with an account
or accounts operatively associated with the user. Thus, following such
positive identification, a self-service machine may automatically charge
such user's designated account for the creation and delivery of a
deliverable currency package to the user. The self-service machine may
comprise one or more biometric devices which may include, without
limitation, those that obtain biometric readings or measurements from a
finger print, facial dimension(s) (e.g., facial recognition), teeth,
retinal structure, iris structure, body part dimension(s), vein pattern,
vein dimension(s), thermographic pattern, nailbed dimension(s),
vocalization, and skin spectral response.

[0255] The appended claims reflect certain aspects and combinations of the
present concepts, but are not exhaustive of all such aspects and
combinations. Further, the present concepts include all possible logical
combinations of the claims and of the various claim elements appended
hereto, without limitation, within the associated claim sets regardless
of the presently indicated dependency.